Larry Thomas Wasson

1949 - 2022

LARRY THOMAS WASSON

1949 - 2022

Larry Thomas Wasson began his life on July 1, 1949 with Albert and Lucille Wasson at a Bakersfield maternity hospital. He lived and attended schools in McFarland, CA with many fond memories of growing up in a small town where everyone knew each other. There he met his best friend, Cindy, at a friends wedding rehearsal and they spent over 50 loving and memorable years together. Their children, Laura and Patrick, were always the most precious people in his world. Larry lived a long and fulfilling life that he was not ready to leave. He valiantly fought cancer and crippling RA but his heart finally gave out on October 20, 2022.

Participating in FFA activities throughout his McFarland High School years provided Larry a strong foundation which led to an interest in Animal Husbandry at Bakersfield College. He garnered many ribbons as a contestant and judge at fairs and schools, but his favorite experience was at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. However, working with his father at Wasson's Market and Wasson's Hardware provided him with valuable retail experience that led to a career in sales management with Goodyear. Seeking better opportunities, Larry trained and spent many years as a quality control lab technician for Witco Oil Company.

After Patrick was born, Larry volunteered to be a stay at home Dad for 3 years. Then it was Larry's turn to fulfill his dream of becoming a licensed gunsmith and the family moved to Denver. He graduated with an AD in Gunsmithing from the Colorado School of Trades and opened Bitterroot Gunsmithing in Stevensville, MT as a Glock Armorer and doing custom gun work. Family obligations brought a return to Bakersfield and the launch of Kern Gunsmithing.

Larry had many passions including his love of riding motorcycles, particularly the many Harley Davidson's he owned over the years. In his younger years he was an avid snow skier and was certified as a scuba diver during one of our trips to Cozumel. Travel was another joy and his favorite trips included hunting in the outback of northern Australia, touring many of the Mediterranean countries and riding the underground train around London.

His keen sense of humor and eagerness to offer help will truly be missed. Larry was always the family historian for both sides of the family and everyone depended on him to remember all the details. His family benefitted greatly from his innate mechanical ability to fix just about anything. But his greatest pleasure was spending time with his grandson and his beloved dogs.

Larry is survived by his wife, Cindy, their children, Laura Mollere and Patrick Wasson, and his grandson, Etienne Mollere. His last motorcycle ride was with his other best friend, brother in law, Andy McFarland.

A private family memorial and scattering of ashes will be held later this year.

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