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Larry Church Obituary
Larry Dean Church, 75, died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, at Woodland Memorial Hospital after complications from surgery.
Larry was born on Feb. 13, 1934, in La Junta, Colo. He graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1952. He was a terrific football player, but he was also one of the fastest high hurdlers in the Western U.S, which earned him a scholarship to the University of Idaho. He received a bachelor's degree in psychology from UofI in 1956 and a master's degree in psychology from George Washington University. He was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in March 1958. For the next 30 years he was able to play a role in the events that shaped the world during his life.
His career as an Air Force intelligence officer took him and his family all over the world. He held many important positions, including serving two tours in Vietnam, and commanding his own wing, the 4513th Tactical Training Group at Nellis Air Force Base. In 1984 he was promoted to brigadier general. His military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star medal, and Air Force Commendation medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Larry retired in 1987 and moved to Woodland. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He touched us deeply with his wisdom, wit and generosity. He was an avid golfer, joke teller, writer, reader, traveler and sports enthusiast. He is greatly loved and will be missed by all that knew him.
Larry is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 54 years; and three children and their spouses, daughters, Deanne Wegmann and husband Steve, Mary Kay Haveman and husband Mark); son, Dean Church and wife Lisa; seven grandchildren, Nick, Kyle, Stephanie, Kelley, Henry, Bobby and Miranda; sister, Janet Munn of Twin Falls, Idaho; brothers, Dick Church of Chesapeake, Va., and David Church of Las Vegas.
A funeral service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in the future. Please join us for a celebration of Larry's life at the Yolo Fliers Golf & Country Club, from noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 6. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Woodland Food Closet, PO Box 803, Woodland, 95776.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Church
Leland Hopson, Colonel, USAF-retired
December 21, 2021
The general was in my dreams last night and that brought back fond memories of helping him and Mary preparing to leave Germany, going into retirement. I grew as an officer being one of his executive officers. It is hard to believe he's been gone so long and way too soon.
Dee Mills
October 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Richard has spoken very highly of Larry Dean Church. I live in Chehalis, WA, so I did not know Larry Church personally. God rest his soul. He is at peace now.
Charlie Hicks
September 24, 2009
To Dean, Lisa and Family, I was deeply saddened for the loss of your Dad, he must have been a very special individual, a true leader. My deepest condolences to you, and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Charlie Hicks
betty gossage
September 18, 2009
Larry Church was the sweetest, most gentle man I ever knew. He would give you the shirt off his back. So many times he would treat us for supper and lunch and not expect anyone to chip in for the meal. He and Mary loved to entertain and did so very well, making sure you felt right at home. The biggest highlight of my life is when Larry bought me a plane ticket to Hawii in '97. We had the best time and I really got to know him well. He was the best Father-in-Law for my Lisa and was dearly loved by Miranda, his grandaughter. He will surely be missed by a lot of people. I'll never forget his smiling face. God grant you rest and peace Larry. We will love you always. Betty Gossage
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Joyce & Bob Swing
September 17, 2009
Mary, Mary Kay, Dean,Deanne and Family,
How we enjoyed our many moments together at Nelllis and keeping in touch over the years. What a gift it is that, like you, we remain an altogether family through all of the trials, temptations, and pressures our lives have experienced. Know that in our way we continue to love you, love Larry, and and your family. Our children share this message and wish we could be at Arilington. A ministry calls us to be elsewhere. We will call.
Joyce & Bob Swing
September 17, 2009
Mary, Mary Kay, Dean Deanne, and Family,
How we enjoyed our many moments together at Nelllis and keeping in touch over the years. What a gift it is that, like you, we remain an altogether family through all of the trials, temptations, and pressures our lives have experienced. Know that in our way we continue to love you, love Larry, and and your family. Our children share this message and wish we could be at Arilington. A ministry calls us to be elsewhere. We will call.
September 11, 2009
Dear Mary, Deanne, Dean, and May Kay, We are so saddened to hear of Larry's death. Our time with you at Ft. Belvoir and Stuttgart seems like yesterday. Your family changed the direction of our family and we will be forever grateful. We send our love and our thoughts to you. Love, Marge, Shug, Mike and Dave Shuger
September 9, 2009
Mary, we are very sorry to learn of Larry's death. We cherish the memories of both the good and challenging times together at Nellis AFB. A supper friend and patriot. Love, Kip and Alice Kiplinger
September 4, 2009
To Mary and the family, My nephew, William Roth has told me of your loss, and I'm very sorry to hear. My late husband Ruben and I always enjoyed being with the two of you. I pray thatyou will find comfort in fond memories and in God's unfailing promises. Love, Olive Spannaus
Rick Church
September 4, 2009
Everyone who carries the name Church can stand a bit straighter for service that Uncle Larry did for our country. While he was awarded numerous and highly impressive honors, rank, and decorations, I'm sure he earned many more that "never happened".
Once when he told me "you done good", it made me feel like I'd saved a planet, while it was he who had helped us. I wish we could have had more time with him.
judi verzulli
September 3, 2009
Mary, Dean, Lisa, Miranda, Deanne and Mary Kay,
An incredible man with a family to make anyone proud. I enjoyed his Christmas letters where he would tell of his and Mary's recent travel excursions. I was fortunate enough to spend time with Larry and Mary in San Francisco while visiting Lisa and Dean. What a charming, witty and intelligent man. So many stories and life experiences. He will be missed by many. So thankful to have known him. May he rest in God's arms.
Our hearts are saddened by your loss.
Jim and Judi Verzulli
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