Larry Milton

1947 - 2024

Larry Milton

April 26, 1947 - November 22, 2024

It is with a heavy heart, great sadness, and many tears that Larry, my wonderful husband of almost 25 years, has passed away into the eternal arms of our Lord and Savior. I was by his side, holding his hands while praying. Larry was more concerned about me than himself. Larry and Michelle always appreciated all of your thoughts, prayers and well wishes while we were going through his illness. As 2 Timothy 4:7 says, "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." Larry fought this fight with Jesus by his side and all of the support from family and friends.

Larry was born in Wheatland, Wyo., to loving parents Harold and Gerry (Russell) Milton. His sister Linda was born two years later completing their family. The Milton family had the opportunity and experiences to travel wherever Larry's dad was employed. They lived in Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and finally settled in Southern California (Riverside), where Larry attended Norte Vista High School, and Riverside College. Larry excelled in school, loved learning everything, and lettered Varsity in tennis and track while enjoying playing the trombone in the band. Larry had the opportunity to play the trombone with the orchestra at the Hollywood Platinum and always felt very honored to have had this experience. Larry also accomplished in receiving his pilot license. After college, Larry received his US Army draft notice. Larry is a true American Patriot and served with honor. He served his country from 1967-1969. Larry became an E-6 Non-Commissioned Officer, Staff Sargent, and trained as a Drill Sargent then was sent to Vietnam. Before heading to Vietnam from 1968-1969, Larry received further training in Fort Benning, Ga., and Fort Polk, La. Larry is a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient.

After Larry was discharged from the Army, he worked in the mortgage credit industry for General Electric, Household Finance, Harmon Finance and Northwest creditors. During the last years of his vocational career, he received his class "A" drivers license and worked 11 years for Alegre trucking in the food and cement division. After driving over one million miles, he retired and let me do all the driving while being the best navigator that I depended on and trusted. Larry had many interests growing up; one was the "gift of gab" and could go on telling stories that always made me laugh. He was talking and telling stories until the end of his life, now he is in Heaven "talking up a storm" or writing a very wordy story about his new adventures. I'm sure he has found the "best" fishing spot there is and caught the biggest fish ever. I am going to miss my very best friend, confidant, and husband who has ever helped me be a better person because I knew him. Larry, you deserve this much-needed rest. I only wish we could have met sooner in our lives so we could have loved each other longer. I will miss you tremendously and will miss working on "our bucket list" of adventures.

We, Larry and I, would like to thank the teams of doctors, nurses and all other staff in departments at Emanuel Cancer Center, Palo Alto VA Hospital, Stanford Medical Center, and Kaiser Hospital. Thank you to all of you miracle workers who learn all about our miracle bodies the good Lord gave us to get through this life. May the Lord continue to bless all of us with his Mercy, Grace and Love.

Larry is survived by his wife, Michelle of Modesto, Cali.; mom, Gerry Milton of Jerome, Idaho; son, Shawn Milton of Jerome, Idaho; granddaughter, Maranda and husband, Chris; and great-grandkids, Rylyn, Rowyn and Winston all from Gulfport, Miss.; grandson, Devin Milton, of Renton Wash.; sister, Linda Bender of Jerome, Idaho; niece, Sarah Bender of Boise, Idaho; niece, Amy Pierson and husband, Jeff Pierson; great-nephews, Michah, Xavier, Gabe, all of Jerome, Idaho. Brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Diane Ward; nephews, Auzie Ward and Alex Spencer of Bakersfield, Calif.; niece, Katie Spencer of Lompoc, Calif. Also many cousins who live all over the country, and blessed with many friends and acquaintances. Larry also leaves behind a very special Vet friend, Orlando and wife, Mame, who affected Larry's life in many ways. Orlando and Larry roomed together at Palo Alto Veterans Hospital.

Larry was preceded in death by his dad, Harold Milton; a close cousin, Guy Milton; a close friend, Thom Lawyer; and many other relatives and friends.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to VFW or of your choice. If you cannot attend either service, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

A funeral service for Larry was held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A Graveside service did take place at VA Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, CA 30338, E Bear Mountain BLVD, Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 1:15 p.m.

Lakewood Funeral Home

900 Santa Fe Ave Hughson, CA 95326

2098830411