Larry Dean Willard

Larry Dean Willard



Larry Dean Willard passed away on February 24, 2021, at the age of 78. To honor his wishes, he will be laid to rest in Olney, TX with his parents (Billie and Edgar Willard) and grandparents (Doc and Mary Willard).



Larry was born August 18, 1942 in Olney, TX, the first son to Edgar and Billie Willard. Larry grew up in Roswell, NM. His father, Edgar Willard, was a public schools administrator and his mother, Billie Willard, was a librarian. He was a 1960 graduate of Roswell High School and received his Business Administration degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM. He went on to complete graduate school programs in banking and commercial lending at the University of Colorado and the University of Oklahoma.



Larry started his banking career in Portales, NM; after college he moved to several cities in New Mexico, Kansas, Texas and Colorado furthering his banking career. In December 2004, he ended his successful banking career as CEO and Regional President of Wells Fargo Bank, New Mexico and West Texas.



While in New Mexico, Larry was very active in the banking business and non-profit communities. His involvement included serving on the boards or as chair of UNM Board of Regents, Albuquerque Economic Development, Kirtland Partnership Committee, Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, Economic Forum, Albuquerque Community Foundation, United Way of Central New Mexico, New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation, Boy Scouts, Governor's Business Advisory Council, New Mexico Bankers Association, UNM Hospital Board of Trustees, UNM Anderson School of Management, Albuquerque Academy and Special Olympics of New Mexico.



Willard contributed substantially to the Willard Reading Room at the UNM Zimmerman Library, and the Gerald and Betty Ford Library at Bosque School, in honor of his parents. Larry Willard was described by friends as a visionary, mentor, philanthropist, an education and literacy advocate, an agent for change and a tireless civic leader.



After retiring from Wells Fargo Bank, Larry continued his career with Hilltop Holdings in Denver, Co and Dallas, TX, until 2009. Larry chose to retire in Albuquerque, NM and Midland, TX. His family extends their appreciation to his many health care providers.



He is lovingly remembered by his family: life partner Andrea Willard; son Mark, granddaughters Katy and Haley; son Les (Susan), grandson Zackery and granddaughter Alexandrea; daughter Risa (Clint), granddaughter Madeline and grandson Scout; son Deke (Michelle), granddaughters Dustyn and Taylin and grandsons Tevin and Tyler; brothers, Fred Willard and Ron Willard and their families; and several great grandchildren, other family members and friends.



Anyone wishing to remember Larry, by making a charitable contribution, may donate to the UNM Willard Reading Room Fund or to the UNM Presidential Scholars Program, c/o the UNM Foundation, 2 Woodward Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.