Larry Eugene Mentzer

1937 - 2025

Larry Eugene Mentzer
October 1, 1937 - October 8, 2025
Larry Mentzer, 88, of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025. Born on October 1, 1937, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to John and Clara Mentzer, Larry was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, brother and friend.
He is survived by his sister, June McNeal, his daughters, Mary Mentzer, Betsy Clark and Candace Wilson, and three grandchildren. Predeceased in death by his wife, Barbara, his parents and his brother.
Larry started playing the clarinet at age four. After high school, he attended Valley Forge Military Academy and later became a member of the Air Force Band of the West at Lackland Air Force Base. Larry received his Bachelor of Music from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and his Master of Arts from Trinity University.
Larry Mentzer was the principal clarinetist of the San Antonio Symphony for thirty years. He was also on the faculty at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Trinity University, the University of the Incarnate Word and St. Mary's University. Larry enjoyed a private teaching studio, was a recitalist, and clinician.
Larry was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed backpacking through the Colorado Rockies, and also enjoyed traveling the world with his late wife.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 9944 Leslie, San Antonio, TX 78254.
In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to The Parkinson's Foundation.