Lawrence M. Walsh Sr.  Lawrence M. "Larry" Walsh, Sr. (March 3, 1948 – June 3, 2020) was an American farmer and politician. Born in Joliet, Illinois, Walsh graduated from Joliet East High School in 1966. He then received his associate degree in business and agriculture from Joliet Junior College in 1968. He was a farmer. Walsh served on the Elwood, Illinois School Board and the Jackson Township board. He also served on the Will County, Illinois Board of Commissioners and was a Democrat. Walsh served in the Illinois State Senate from 1997 to 2005. A.J. Wilhelmi succeed him in the Illinois Senate. In 2005, Walsh became the Will County Executive. Walsh died at the age of 72 on June 3, 2020.