Larry Lane Henricks

Larry Henricks, whose handle was “Blue Cowboy” and who was widely known up and down the pipeline as “Short Legs,” passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, friendships, and miles of pipeline that marked the life he lived.

Larry spent much of his life working as a pipeline welder, traveling wherever the work took him and living the life of a true pipeliner. It was a hard road built on long days, tough conditions, and pride in a job done right. He believed in putting in the work, keeping the line moving, and standing by the men he worked beside.

His handle was Blue Cowboy, a name that followed him through the years and matched the spirit he carried. Among the crews and camps along the pipeline, he was known simply as “Short Legs,” a nickname that came with plenty of laughter and the kind of camaraderie that only comes from working the line together.

When the welding hood came off for the day, Larry enjoyed the other parts of pipeline life—a good card game, a little gambling, and a glass of Black Velvet shared with friends after a long shift. The stories told around those tables will carry on long after the work is done.

Larry is survived by his wife, Alyce; six children; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, along with many friends and fellow pipeliners who shared the road, the work, and the memories with him.

Services will be held Friday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of Chimes 1900 E 19th St. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001

Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at The Gathering Place across from the chapel to spend time together, share stories, and remember Larry and the life he lived.

Though his final weld has been laid and the hood has come down for the last time, Blue Cowboy—known to many as Short Legs—will be remembered wherever pipeliners gather and stories are told.

Ride easy, Blue Cowboy.