Gough Lamb Cleaners is based in Middletown, but delivers as far north as Spring Valley Road in Washington Twp.
Tammy Roberts, a customer for 22 years, hosted the Aug. 15 event at her Washington Twp. home.
"Larry and his wife, Ellen, who also was with Gough Lamb, are just kind, gentle souls and deserve to have that recognition," Roberts said.
The Krebses, who have three children and five granddaughters, live in West Elkton. Ellen worked in alterations, and Larry had a delivery route predominantly in Springboro.
"I am just grateful for their friendship and loyalty," Larry Krebs said of his customers. "They are a nice bunch of people."
Gough Lamb Manager David Francis said Krebs went the extra mile for his customers.
"He took a human interest approach to the families," Francis said. "He was trustworthy and conscientious."
Roberts said Krebs was very kind to children, and brought them treats on birthdays and at Christmas.
"He never once missed a birthday in 18 and 14 years of their lives," Roberts said. "And he worked on straight commission. He just has that generosity of spirit."
Betsy Hoobler of Springboro, a customer for 11 years, said Krebs helped her and her husband, who are in their 80s, by bringing in the mail and garbage cans up from the curb. Krebs also visited Hoobler's husband, George, in the hospital.
In a thank you note to Krebs, Hoobler wrote: "You have become a part of the lives of your customers, and you are loved more than anyone who has ever come to our doors."
Customers Moni and George Malacos of Washington Twp. added: "It is so rare to find a person who is as dedicated to his job as Larry is. Our neighborhood will miss him so much."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7325 or jikelley@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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