Larry Duane Wilson

Larry Duane Wilson passed away with loved ones by his side on August 18, 2022, due to ongoing health complications. He was born December 16, 1945, in Tilden, Nebraska. He always loved talking with people and sharing his stories, knowledge, and optimistic outlook.

Larry grew up in towns near Omaha, Nebraska, working on farms and driving tractors even as a child. After graduating from high school in Valley, he attended Wayne State College and received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and science education. At Wayne State College, he met the love of his life, Ruth. They were married in 1965 and later had three daughters: Dawn, Cindy, and Ann. While in Wayne, he taught chemistry and physical science classes at Wayne High school. He later taught mathematics and computer science in Papillion, Nebraska.

In 1970 Larry and Ruth moved their family to Logan, Utah and later to Roy, Utah, where Larry taught mathematics and computer classes while earning his master’s degree in mathematics education from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Spending some years advising Chess Club and Key Club, in 1977 Larry wrote, presented, and was successful in changing Key Club bylaws to include females as members. In 1978 Larry earned the Utah Mathematics Teacher of the Year Award.

In 1979, the family moved to Evanston, Wyoming and in two short years Larry taught high school math classes, became chairman of the planning and zoning commission, and was a nominee for the Jaycees Outstanding Young American.

In 1981, Larry and Ruth settled the family in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Larry taught high school mathematics, computer science, and computer networking classes. Being an innovator of student learning, he also enjoyed teaching adult educators. In 1983 Larry was awarded the first ever Nevada Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This award was a highlight of his career since it also enabled him to take his wife, mother, and father to The White House to meet with President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan.

In Las Vegas, he taught professional education classes to teachers to enhance their teaching, wrote curriculum for computer and networking classes, presented at workshops and conferences, and much more. In the 90s Larry advanced his computer knowledge by achieving Novell and Microsoft certifications as well as certification through Cisco networking. He helped promote those networking programs to high school students, and was awarded the 1992 Tandy Technology Scholars Outstanding Teacher. Being a true example of a lifelong learner, Larry continued taking classes, gaining knowledge, and sharing it with educators and students throughout Clark County School District. He began focusing on being an educational computing strategist, helping high schools maintain their computer networks and technology, and helping open new high schools with well-structured technology throughout the buildings.

After Larry’s first retirement from CCSD in 2005, he enjoyed going on fishing trips with good friends, including a month in Alaska, and driving up to Idaho to see some of his grandchildren. Before moving to Las Vegas, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. For decades he loved his various boats, going out fishing, taking kids out waterskiing, or pulling kids behind the boat in a tube. His passion was helping people and driving everywhere. From driving church youth group kids to out-of-state camps, to driving good friends a thousand miles to family reunions, he really enjoyed being on the road and driving just to see what he could see. On the road trips he would always have many cool stories about the places, roadways, bridges, people, or animals seen. After a few years of retirement, he decided he wanted to

make even more of an impact and help people, so he went back to teaching mathematics for a few years, this time in adult education.

In Larry’s early adult years, he worked at JC Penney and then worked seven summers driving trucks and laying concrete. For decades he would help lay cement sidewalks and patios for dozens of friends, teaching all how it is done and giving them tips along the way.

Larry is survived by his wife Ruth; daughters Cindy and Ann (Zab); grandchildren Alyxis, Addison, and Zane; siblings Bonnie (Jack) and Roger (Rita); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Winfred and Helen, sister Carol, and daughter Dawn.

In recognition of Larry’s legacy, the family asks that you share knowledge, kindness, and compassion with one of our most important community resources - our youth, our future leaders.

Join us in celebrating the life of Larry Wilson scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2023, 2- 4 pm, at Desert Spring United Methodist Church, 120 N Pavilion Center Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada.

From daughter Ann

My dad was always up for a road trip or an adventure. There were countless fun boating trips and he thoroughly enjoyed helping to teach dozens of people to ski behind our boats. I will cherish memories of our road trips and knowledge passed along the way. He was always telling stories and passing off one-liner funnies. I have truly missed our road trips and our boating fun, but just like he instilled a sense of adventure in me, his grandchildren have his adventurous spirit to carry on.

From sister Bonnie

Larry was adventurous from the beginning. From climbing up 60-foot windmills to climbing into windows to get the tools he thought he needed, he was always busy and inquisitive. He was like his father, making friends with everyone he met, and like his mother, caring for his family. He accepted the addition of computers and strived to help others understand them. Family was always his first love. He lived and loved life to the fullest. His work was done. Rest in the peace you so justly deserve.

From sister-in-law Kay

Larry joined our family as our brother- in-law so many years ago full of energy and a zest for life. He worked hard and played hard. Rene and Larry hunted, fished, and took long excursions just to see what they could see. He could talk about anything and everything and loved to tell stories. We always looked forward to Wilson/Anderson family time spent watching our families have fun and grow up together. Larry was a devoted family man, husband, and teacher. He is missed every day.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Wilson family.