Larry McManus Jr.

1934 - 2017

Larry L. McManus Jr.

GREAT FALLS — Sadly, our Dad left this world very unexpectedly on June 11, 2017 at the age of 82. He was born in Coventry, Rhode Island on Sept. 27, 1934 to Larry L. McManus, Sr. and Mildred P. (Adams) McManus. Upon his graduation from La Salle Academy, he proudly served his country with honor and professionalism. Larry made his military career in law enforcement and began his service as an Air Policeman assigned to the 51st Air Police Squadron. He later transferred to the 17th Security Police Squadron as well as the 17th Bombardment Wing where he provided security for aircraft in Pusan, Korea, and later, with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing guarding B-52's and other support aircraft during the Vietnam War, based out of Ubon, Thailand.

Larry's career and tours of duty included assignments to Korea; Okinawa, Japan; Da Nang, Vietnam; Vandenberg AFB, California; Taichung, Taiwan; Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio; and Ubon, Thailand. After leaving Thailand in 1971, he was assigned to the 341st Security Police Squadron at Malmstrom AFB, where he distinguished himself as a Flight Security Supervisor and Flight Chief, Missile Support Chief and Missile Support Combat Group. He retired in 1973.

During his military career, Larry was awarded many commendations for service and valor, including: the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Air Force Longevity Service Medal with two Bronze oak-leaf clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Campaign Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. He was also awarded a Chinese Military Police Badge and still has the distinction of being only one of a few U.S. Military personnel to have been awarded this badge.

Larry was a 50-year Master Mason and was proud to be a member of Cascade Lodge 34; a Life Member of the Szech Lodge No. 4 F. & A.M. of Taichung, Taiwan; a member of the Taipei Scottish Rite, Taipei, Taiwan; and a member of the Masonic Temple of China.

While stationed in Okinawa, Larry met Yoshiko Okuda, the daughter of a doctor and a teacher. She was the love of his life and they married in 1955. She preceded him in death on April 3, 2017. Also preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Marilyn Buchanan.

He is survived by three children, Jean Senst (Jim) of Great Falls, Cherie Curry (Pat) of Billings, and Larry L. McManus III (Linda) of Missoula; grandson Cole Curry of Billings; and a sister Kathy Gordon of Warwick, Rhode Island.

Larry was a friend to all he met and a man of many words. He loved to cheer for the Griz and enjoyed traveling to the football games.

Larry and Yoshiko will be missed greatly, but their love and friendship to family and friends will be remembered and cherished forever. We love you and miss both of you very much.

We wish to thank Dr. Steven Bailey, Dr. Joseph Ghahari and the surgical team who did their best to save Dad's life.

A private memorial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to LaSalle Academy, LSA Fund, 612 Academy Avenue, Providence RI 02908, or the State Veterans Cemetery Fund, PO Box 5715, Helena, MT 59604.

Condolences for the family may be left online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.