Larry Gene Myers

Larry Gene Myers, 73, Spokane Valley, WA was born in Muncie, Indiana, and adopted by Harold and Bernice Myers at the age of 11. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Coralie, in 1971. His two sons, Michael B. Myers and Richard L. Myers, and grandsons Gabe and Isaiah, were his pride and joy.

Larry was a Christian with a broad background in faith. As a youth, he attended the Baptist church, but also served as an altar boy in the Catholic church many times with his best friend Joe. Interestingly though, when Larry and Coralie went to get married on his 3 day leave from the military, the only place available was a Quaker church. Afterwards they lived in Ohio, Iowa, California and Washington. Along the way he helped raise his boys, participated in the Lutheran church, sang in the church choir, and served as chair of the social concerns ministry at Christ Lutheran church. More recently he was a member of New Life Church, now Sun City Church.

Larry served in the US Air Force until he was disabled in May, 1976. He was a Vietnam Veteran and served in Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and Japan. After retiring from the military, he administered examinations for individuals applying for military service, and then worked for the Social Security Administration. He was a devoted father, quitting work so he could be a stay-at-home dad.

He was active in Boy Scouts, serving as a cubmaster, troop leader, commissioner and merit badge counselor. He was recognized with a "Huggy Bear" award by other scouters for his efforts. Many young men, including his own boys, became accomplished cooks as a result of his efforts. He also ran the area food drive for several years, benefiting not only the local food bank but other non-profit organizations.

From 42 years ago until he was no longer able, Larry was Santa Claus to many youth in the area starting with a cub scout troop in the Spokane Valley. He was also a Santa in downtown Spokane, and for the last few years he donated his time as Santa for the Inland NW Greyhound Rescue Group. He loved being Santa and had hoped to be Santa for his great-grandson this year. Sadly, he passed before that could happen.

Larry may not have been able to walk the last few years, but he still loved to drive. He wanted to be buried with a steering wheel in his hands so he could drive in heaven. Unfortunately, we still needed the steering wheel to drive the family car so, he's going to have to make do with one from the local wrecking yard. Hopefully, he won't take the "road less traveled" to get to heaven. Larry was known for taking the backroads everywhere, often taking the longest route known to man.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Coralie, sons Michael (Nancy) and Richard (Kirsten), grandsons Gabe (Mandi) and Isaiah, great-grandson Milo, and his biological sisters Sharyn (Doug) Rogers, Carolyn Hunt and Connie Parrot. He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents Harold and Bernice Myers, adopted sister Beth Myers and biological sister Sandi (Tom) Giles.

Larry's motto throughout the years was "Others, Lord, yes others; None a self for me, help me to live for others Lord, that I may live for Thee." He was always helping his fellow man any way he could and will always be remembered for that.

A celebration of life will be held on December 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Hennessey Valley Funeral Home, 1315 N. Pines, Spokane Valley, WA. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Larry's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Toys for Tots, one of his favorite charities.