Larry Murphy Boone

Larry grew up as the little brother on the family farm in southeast Kansas. In high school he was active in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and had his “business partnership” with his father on an FFA hog project which helped finance his college education. He attended Kansas State University where he received his B.S. in 1959 and his M.S. in 1960. It was at K-State that he met Dorothy (Dot) -- that was the start of their more than 6 decades of love and adventure. Washington State University was where he received his PhD in Ag Economics that fueled his international agricultural development career. He started as an assistant professor at University of Tennessee where one of his graduate students encouraged him to apply for a position in Bogota, Colombia. The international agriculture development work started and blossomed--3 years in Colombia, 9 years in Costa Rica, 5 years in Saudi Arabia, 6 months in the Dominican Republic and 1 ½ yrs in Canada, plus many short-term assignments in Africa and Asia.

In retirement he dedicated his time to volunteer work with the Christ Church United Methodist branch of Tucson Food bank, Tucson Zoo, Literacy Connects, and he was always the strength behind the scenes as a volunteer for Dorothy’s work with The Nature Conservancy and League of Women’s Voters. He enjoyed singing bass in the church choir and participating in Rotary activities.

Photography was Larry’s greatest hobby. It recorded the history and details of many family vacations and miles and miles of hikes in several countries.

Larry is survived by his wife Dorothy and sons Dennis (Suzanne) and David. His devotion to his family, his bright curious mind, his kindness and compassion for all humanity will be missed.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity. Larry was especially compassionate about Rotary club projects children’s issues, food banks, and shelters for the underprivileged.

The family would like to thank friends and family for their part in making Larry’s life fulfilled and valued.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2021, 1:30 p.m. at Christ Church United Methodist, 655 N Craycroft, Tucson, AZ.