Harry C. LaRue

1911 - 2010

Longtime Hanford resident, Harry C. LaRue, 99, passed away on December 30, 2010 in Hanford, California. He joked with us saying, "I've passed my dad's age of 99 and two weeks and I'm still older than Sarah (his sister-in-law of who is two weeks younger). Diane and Joyce attribute Dad's longevity to always keeping busy. He loved the great outdoors and always had a garden. His specialty was boysenberries, asparagus and his tomatoes were the best. During their younger years, Harry and Dilly were big supporters of the Hanford Union High School Bullpups sports and attended nearly every football and basketball game they played. During their later years, Harry and Dilly played pool two or three times a week and danced once or twice a week at the Hanford Senior Center.

Harry was born in Toronto, Kansas on February 4, 1911 to Fred B. and Ella Grace LaRue. He lived alternately between Kansas, Colorado and California, depending on where there was work. Harry was drafted into the Horse Calvary for the United States Army in 1941 and trained as a tank mechanic for the Tenth Armored Division, 11th Tank Battalion. On leave he met the love of his life, his bride, Delaverne "Dilly" Olson in San Diego, California and they were married on September 21, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri. Shortly after D-Day, Harry's battalion rolled into France. He was in Luxemburg during the Battle of the Bulge on December 16. Harry earned a Purple Heart when he caught some shrapnel in his forehead. He also received a Bronze Star for his daring rescue of some buddies in trouble. He was discharged in 1945 and he and Dilly moved to Hanford to make their home and raise their family. Harry worked for Cousins, Mitchell and Davies but often said how proud he was to have his job at NAS Lemoore. It gave him many resources needed to care for his family. At NAS Lemoore, Harry worked on the tugs that pulled the F-16's. He retired earlier than he would have liked due to having arthritis.

Every winter Harry and Dilly traveled to Southern California to the Fountain of Youth near Indio. They looked forward to seeing their friends year after year. In 2006 (their last trip) Harry and Dilly won a pool tournament and were so excited about their trophy.

Harry cared for Dilly until he was 98 when he suffered a stroke. Due to the loving care of Kings Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, he was nursed back to health. He again enjoyed getting to go to Superior Dairy, the Veterans Hall to see his pool buddies, Tachi Palace and picnics in the park. On Thanksgiving Day at daughter Diane's home in Visalia, Harry said "it was his best day in two years." During his stay at the nursing home, Harry made many friends of the nurses and staff as well as with the families coming in to visit their love ones.

Joyce remembers when she was in school how she would get to go home and have lunch with mom, dad, and sister, Diane instead of school lunches.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Grace; infant brother, Edgar, brother, John in 1974 and brother, Howard in 2004. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Dilly on January 19, 2010.

Harry leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Diane Houston and husband, Jerry of Visalia, CA and Joyce Patee and husband, Lloyd of Hanford, CA; two sisters-in-law, Sarah Dreiling of Kansas City, MO and Alta Groshong of San Diego, CA; five grandchildren, Brian Houston and wife, Kim, Brad Houston, Jennifer Houston, Stacey Patee and Troy Patee; three great-grandchildren, Ryan and Zachary Houston and Jacob McReynolds; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Rest for awhile, till we meet again. . . .

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 10, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. at People's Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St. in Hanford, CA. Burial will follow at the Hanford Cemetery.

Condolences may be made at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com.

Remembrances may be made to Hanford Senior Center, 401 N. Irwin St., Hanford, CA 93230.

Arrangements entrusted to People's Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 9559) 584-5591.