Larry F. Spargo Sr.

Major Larry F. Spargo Sr., 79, of Emmett, Idaho passed away on Oct. 17th, 2010 in Boise, Idaho. He was born on January, 19th, 1931 in Weiser, Idaho, the son of late Harry and Pauline Spargo. He spent his childhood years on a cattle ranch and graduated from high school in 1949. He attended Dixie Junior College on an academic and athletic scholarship at which time he lettered in football, basketball, track and amateur boxing. In 1953 Larry fell in love and married Barbara Buckendorf of Twin Falls, Idaho on May 16th, 1954 and began raising a family. He entered the military in 1959 and began serving his country in the US Army paratroopers. While in the US Army, he received a direct commission from Sergeant to 2nd Lieutenant and graduated from U.S. Special Forces, Officer Course and HALO Free Fall parachute course. During his military service in South Vietnam, Larry had the privilege of commanding a Special Forces "A Team" in War Zone D. In 1968 he graduated from the US Army Nuclear Weapons and Advanced Infantry Officer. He then returned for his second tour of combat duty in Vietnam. Larry attained the rank of Major and was one of Idaho's most decorated Vietnam Veterans. His medals and decorations include 2 Silver Stars, 4 Bronze Stars for Valor and Air Medal, 3 Purple hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Gold Star and Palm, Combat Infantry Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge. After his military career, Larry and his family settled in Ontario, Oregon in 1973. He owned and managed Sleep Centers, Inc. until 1991 and retired at age 60. Larry enjoyed his family and believed it was important to make family a high priority. He was also fond of the dogs he owned over the years, especially a little dog named "Lucky". He was an avid golfer, enthusiastic fan of football and enjoyed the outdoors. He loved his family and never wanted to be a burden. Larry and his wife Barbara were active in church activities, the Gideon's, and Prison Ministry in Oregon. In 1998 Larry and Barbara moved to Emmett, Idaho to enjoy a tranquil retirement. Larry was a member of the American Legion, Disabled Americans Veterans, VFW and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Larry is survived by his wife Barbara, two daughters Rita (Craig) Kamimae and Cherre Atagi, two sons Thomas Ritz and Larry Spargo Jr. and four grandchildren Ashley (Jared) Kamimae-Lanning, Anthony Spargo, Lauren Ann Ritz and Jenna Leigh Ritz.Larry was preceded in death by his grandson Joel Barrie. Larry wrote that when laid to rest he can leave this legacy: A soldier for God and Country remembering 2nd Timothy (4:7) "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. A service was held at Eagle Church of the Nazarene, 1001 W State St, Eagle, ID Monday October 25th, 2010 at noon followed by a Full Military Funeral at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery on Horseshoe Bend Road at 2:00. In Lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Disabled Veterans of America, 300 S. Iowa Street, Payette, Idaho 83661 or New Life Christian Youth Camp, PO Box 372, Emmett, Idaho 83617.