Larry Irwin Restine

1950 - 2023

On Saturday, February 25, 2023, Larry Restine passed from this earth to his Heavenly rewards.

 

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Lynda Restine; his father, Jim Restine; siblings, Suzy (Nick), Kurt (Jennifer), Julie (Marcus) and Karl (Amy); children Rebecca, Matthew (Betty), Stephen (Jennifer), Les (Melissa), Lance (Katie), Michael (Heather), Ashley (Nick) and Bonnie (Ethan); grandchildren Hannah, Dalton, Malik, Jamal, Joshua, Holden, Luke, Ava, Harper, Bailey, Olivia, Callie, Isla, Owen, and two precious babies on the way, Baby Giambrone and Adalynn; and nieces and nephews Shelley, Sierra, Allison, Abbie, Gracie, Henry, Josh, Christian, Jonathan, Trinity, Camryn, Olivia and Noah.

 

Larry was adored for his kindness, humor, contagious laugh, and an uncanny ability to tell stories that made people smile. He was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, who loved his wife and family deeply. Larry was an outstanding pilot, passionate teacher and friend to his airline colleagues across the country. He was a woodworking artist, chef, outdoorsman, musician, friend, and fix-it extraordinaire. He helped build the best toothpick bridge his kid’s seventh grade science teacher had ever seen. Larry carved beautiful birds out of wood that looked real. He put love and care into everything he did, he could light up a room with his laughter and smile, and he could fix anything.

 

Larry Irwin Head was born on October 4, 1950 to Jacqueline (Jackie) Horton Head and Walter B. Head in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His little sister, Suzy, was born four years later. Larry and Suzy were inseparable as kids and remained close friends throughout their lives.

 

In 1966, Larry’s mom, Jackie, married Caprock High School Band and Orchestra Director, Jim Restine. Their marriage brought two families together and blessed Larry with three more siblings, Kurt, Julie and Karl. With the practiced discipline of a teacher and the love of a father, Jim Restine led Larry through his teenage years and helped him become a very fine man.

 

While in high school, Larry met a pretty, tall blonde-haired young lady and drum major, Lynda Block. They became good friends, and years later, they would reconnect.

 

Larry began playing the bass violin in elementary school, and throughout the years, his father, Jim guided him to become a talented musician and avid music lover. He was a member of the Amarillo Symphony for several years. He attended West Texas State University, where he played baritone in the marching band and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi fraternity.

 

It was around this time that Larry began to take flying lessons. He had always dreamed of becoming a pilot, and he got his first job as a private pilot for T. Boone Pickens. That was the beginning. During his career as a pilot, he flew for America West and then for Southwest Airlines, where he was a Check Airman for many years, a role he took great pride in and truly enjoyed. After he stopped flying, Larry became a trainer for American Airlines, and later, Southwest Airlines.

 

In 2005, God brought Larry and Lynda together again at a Caprock High School class reunion, and the two were married in 2006.

 

Larry was a loving father to his children Rebecca, Matthew, Stephen, Les, Lance, Michael, Ashley and Bonnie. He cared deeply for all of his children, grandchildren and extended family.

 

Larry is now flying with his fellow legends and making beautiful artwork in his workshop in heaven. Fair skies and tailwinds, my dear friend.

In lieu of flowers, consider contributing to the Christian Outdoor Ministry. 8050 Precinct Line Road, Colleyville, TX 76034. 214-394-5250. Thank you.