Larry was born on December 25, 1939, in Worland, Wyoming, along with his identical twin brother Jerry, to Alexander Schneider and Ernestine Lass.
Larry graduated from Worland High School in 1958 and joined the Navy soon after that same year. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1962. While in the service he trained to be an Air Traffic Controller. After being discharged he went to work at the Longmont, Colorado radar center. In the early 70’s, Larry moved his family to Portland, Oregon to continue his career at Portland International Airport. Larry continued working there until the PATCO strike in 1981. Larry was very proud of being a controller. During this time he was able to train and receive his private pilot license, which led him and a few of his fellow controller friends to purchase a Cessna 182 that brought him great joy!!
After being fired by President Reagan in 1981, Larry and three other fired controllers went on to purchase Grandma’s Donuts on Powell Blvd. This venture lasted a few years. Larry ended his work career at Multnomah County, OR in the fleet division. He retired from there in 2002.
Larry married Judy Toler in 1959. While married to Judy they had three children, Debra, Kelly and Edwina.
Larry met Kathleen Smith in 1961 in Casper, Wyoming on a blind date setup by his twin brother Jerry and his wife Edie, who was also Kathleen’s best friend. Larry and Kathleen were married in Casper on October 6, 1963. Larry and Kathleen had two daughters, Robin and Michelle and were married for 60 years.
Larry was an avid golfer, loved to restore classic cars, enjoyed puzzles, building computers, bowling, dancing with his wife and daughters and playing Texas Holdem! Merle Haggard and George Jones were his favorite artists.
Larry and Kathleen enjoyed being members of Christ the Vine Lutheran Church where they both sang in the choir. Larry enjoyed helping with the grape vines and was involved with wine making at the church.
Larry is survived by his wife; Kathleen, children; Debra Williams (David), Kelly Schneider (Kalina), Edwina Painter (Micheal), Robin Penfield (Nathan) and Michelle Bristol (Patrick). Brother; Jim Neeley, and his sister Cathy Covert. 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Jerry, Bill, George and Don.
Celebration of life services will be held on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 at 11:30am at Christ the Vine Lutheran Church in Damascus, Oregon with burial to follow at Willamette National Cemetery with military honors. Bateman-Carroll Funeral Home will be directing.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made to the church.
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