My dearest Larry, Once upon a time, God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you. I knew the meeting was fate. Becoming your friend was a choice. But falling in love with you I had no control over. Thank you for being my best friend, and my husband. 
I will always love you.
 Forever and Always.
Claire

I cannot believe that it has been a whole year since my good friend and compatriot Larry left this earth. I think so many times about him and all the good times we had. I miss him terribly and hope that Claire will continue on with her life and know that Connie and I will be here to help her through any tough times she is having. Fair winds and following seas my friend! Semper Fi

Pat and Connie

Larry, Claire and Grandson Sean Hummer.  Picture taken in Fairfield Ohio. 

To my Guardian Angels the Browns.  

  Years ago we met.   Seems like a lifetime now.  I was in the worst place imaginable living through a hell on earth that no one should ever have to live.  A shattered innocent soul that took a wrong turn in life.  And paid for it dearly. 
  It was the kindness of Larry & Claire that saved me.  Giving me just enough encouragement and guidance to get out.  Had it not been for the two of you wonderful gentle souls.  I cannot honestly say were my outcome would have been.  I can say it would not have been good.   
  To me, Larry & Clair will always be my Guardian Angles.  Larry was a proud man.  An honored veteran who stood tall and strong.   A man whos bark was worse than his bite !  But unless you knew him, you would never know! 
  My regret is meeting them at a time of total chaos in my life.  And not getting a chance to share or be a part of their lives.   Its complicated, you had to be there in that place and time to understand.  
  But I want them both to know that I have NEVER nor will I ever  forget there acts of kindness ,  their willingness to open a door for me, when all others were closed.   
  The love I have for them all is unmeasurable, 
May you rest in peace Larry, & Claire, I'm so grateful we have come full circle again.   
  Love always .  Debra 
   
 

Larry was a remarkable man.  I had the pleasure and honor of working with Larry as the MCL Department of AZ Chaplain.  He was goodhearted and solid to the core. This hero will be greatly missed but not forgotten! Semper Fi, Larry!

I am fortunate to say Larry Brown was a friend, as he was a friend to many.
 In his life journey, his love for family, friends, and country left a deep impact on all those who knew him.
Larry was a leader, a motivator, and a doer.

In an early conversation with Larry, after learning he had received 3 Purple Hearts and the Silver Star, I couldn’t help but ask him how after saving the lives of 2 fellow Marines while under enemy fire, “What inspired you in those moments?” Larry looked at me as though I should have known and said, “I just loved those guys.”

It was then that I realized the words of Christ to His Apostles.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
and again, when He said “No greater gift has any man than this, than to lay down his life for a friend.”

For Larry Brown and all his brothers in arms.

                                   A BRAVE GENERATION

               IN THE JUNGLE IN THE MUD
              IN THE JUNGLE IN THE BLOOD

            TEN LONG YEARS YOU STAYED
            YOU DID NOT RUN AWAY
                       
                      IN THE JUNGLE WHERE YOU STAYED
            YOU DID WHAT OTHERS WOULD NOT DO

           YOU WERE SO BRAVE, SO BRAVE
           IN THE  JUNGLE WHERE YOU STAYED

          I BELIEVE IF THE TRUTH BE KNOWN
          AND IF HISTORY IS FAIR
              
          WE WILL BE KNOWN
           AS A BRAVE GENERATION

Vietnam was a war that asked everything from a few
 And not very much from anyone else.

           
                                General George Patton 
                  Our country mourns  the loss of those brave men
                                  Whose lives were short.

                                Instead we should thank God
                                   That such men existed.


                                  Rest in peace my friend.
                                  Paul Battaglia - US Army Vietnam '69


will alway remember the cruise to the Bahamas after the reunion in Florida. We all save a lady on the beach. vic ,Ron Pete and myself.
she was like a beached whale, it was funny.
Miss you and a great marine. Semper Fi. Vince from New York.ThirdMar Div association.

Grandpa Brown was a larger than life figure. I remember as a kid getting excited to learn that we were visiting Grandma and Grandpa. One time in particular we were at a mall I believe and Grandpa starts yelling. “Come and get it ladies!” Birthdays we’re always special as he would call and sing a wonderfully awful rendition of Happy Birthday. I wish I still had a recording. He also taught me how to drive a stick shift. He told me when the car started to shake right he stalling,  “she’s thirsty! Give her some gas!” At my high school graduation he stood up and yelled Oorah.  I am happy for the memories and the lessons. I love you Grandpa.  See ya later bud. 

It's been very touching to read all of the wonderful things people have said about my father. I just want everybody to know it's outstanding of a pertom soldier and friend as he was, He wasn't even better father. 

He taught me what it was to be a man. That a real man stood up for women his family his country and for those that couldn't stand up for themselves. If I couldn't be even the half the man that he was I will consider myself look you.

Did I miss you every day. Every time I see something that happens in sports or I have something to happen to me my 1st instinct is to pick up the phone to call you to see what your thoughts are on it. I regret every minute that I could have been around you that I wasn't and cherish every moment that I was. 

I miss you so much and I keep you with me in my thoughts my prayers every single day. Every single time I have a decision to make in life I think what would dad do and what would make dad proud. 

I hope you are and we're as proud of me As I was to call you my dad. You define the very meaning of the phrase Semper Fidelis. You are faithful to family, friends, country, and your Corps. 

This world is a better place for you having been here and a lesser place for you being gone. 

With love your son always and forever chasing.

My dearest Larry'
                                       It's been a few weeks since you went to be with Lord. The house is quiet. It’s just me and my  memories of the past 52 years keeping me company right now. I am trying to hang on to the good parts of a love story we had and wondering what to do with all these memories.  I’ve had to tackle your side of the closet, hon. It sucks. Every one of your T-shirts, your military shirts, uniforms  — they all have a story. They each have a memory.  Remember your favorite white holier than thou tee shirt  that was so tattered and worn? The one I begged you to throw out and even hid from you for a while so you wouldn’t wear it in public? I look at it hanging in the closet  and my heart aches thinking of ever parting with it now. I see your grin when you put it on and I never want that memory to go away. I wish someone would explain to me how a holy tee shirt can make your heart break into a zillion pieces. I can’t bring myself to get rid of. If I did, I think the finality of your life here would set in and I’d lose it.  From the day we met till this day when I must say goodbye, you have given me a thousand reasons to be grateful to God. I love you and I miss you dearly.  Your wife, Claire

Larry and I have know each other for several years and always had a great time when we were together. One of the funniest moments we had was when we were just jawjacking one day and the subject got around to the length of our marriages. I had been married about 35 years then and Larry said he was pushing 50 years of married bliss. He told me that he had gotten married on the 4th of July to a wonderful lady and that he really enjoyed being with Claire. I jokingly stated that the date of marriage was really kind of neat and that he had gone to Vietnam to fight for the preservation of the Constitution and America's freedom, came home, and then gave up his freedom to get married! He said he wouldn't have it any other way and the date was appropriate. We continued to kid each other about that and I had to agree now that I have been married for 40 years. Being an Irishman getting along with a Scot is funny itself but I have only 2 wishes to leave for Larry from one Irishman to a Scot: "May the Lord keep you in his hand and never close his fist too tight on you" and for Claire:  "May the strength of the "Three Above" be in your journey for the rest of your life".  I will miss you my friend, Fair Winds and Following Seas and Semper Fi until we meet again. 

Great Uncle Larry, 

You voice will always be apart of my life, Hearing you come around the corner with your dummy m16 chasing us will be missed.
Rest in peace and Thank You for your service!

Dad, you are certainly missed beyond words. I'll  miss the yearly birthday calls with you singing Happy Birthday in a voice only a daughter could love (very off key). The trouble with the law due to your lead foot. You hold the family record with most speeding tickets in one day. The endless laughs over all the family stories you told. Your dedication to your family, friends, veterans, and God is to be admired. Until we meet again. XOXOXO 

I met Larry when he joined our Chapter. I had been asked to set up a chapter website since I was the new Adjutant of the Chapter. 
Larry was gracious enough to help me set setting this up. Over the years I was privileged to worked with him on Chapter projects, Surprise Veteran's Hall, Radiant Church Veteran Day and other events. He was always enthusiastic and resourceful in getting projects done. We always had fun when working together. Our prayers go out to his family for their loss. I will miss him lot.

John Crockett
Commander
STAR Chapter 24
Sun City, AZ

To Dad,  a man who drives by braille and gets down on the floor to have a temper tantrum when babysitting.  We miss you already and we love  you more and bunches and bunches.   There was never a dull moment with you and we had so many laughs (at your expense) that we will continue to tell the stories  as life goes on.  I wish I had photos to document said times but it wouldn't be appropriate  showing friends and family a photo of you in your underwear emerging from a construction port-o-let in the winter time when our dogs locked you out of the house and the rest of us were out for the day.     You were  strong, generous, kind, thoughtful, caring, sympathetic, empathetic and loving. Everything a dad should be and you ticked all the boxes.  Thanks for being the best dad and grandpa your girls could ask for. We are so proud and honored having you in our lives.   Love you more!

Uncle Larry

You will be missed dearly.  May you have no more pain.  Remember the time all is going to uncle sams then deciding to head up to Vegas in one car.  Those were the days.  You are up in heaven pulling the one arm bandits with old man, Jessica and grandma.  

Love you
Sonya

Larry R. Brown was a truly great friend, in my innermost circle of great friends.  He was an incredible Marine - wounded 5 times, 3 Purple Hearts and was the Recipient of The Silver Star for incredible bravery under heavy enemy fire in an open area.  Two men's lives were saved as a result of Larry's bravery, he was wounded in the process but never stopped.

If you were Larry's friend, this was not a superficial title - you were his Friend for Life!  He and I had so much fun together over the decades and I will miss him beyond description.  He and wife Claire were married for 52 years and they each supported one another without limit.  Larry was loved by everyone who knew him and was a real leader in the Viet Nam Veterans Community.  He was elected to 
the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, for his tireless service to the Veterans Community as well as his service in daily, heavy combat in Viet Nam.  I never knew a better man, a better Marine or a better friend than Larry R. Brown.  Larry, I will miss you every day, I loved you like a Brother.   Semper Fi - Eric L. Edwards

Larry was my neighbor since 2013..I enjoyed our conversation and sharing about our time in the military.  He was a proud marine and gave so much to our country.  R.I.P Larry.

Claire, and family

I was saddened to hear of Lawrence's passing, he was a great man and friend.  I knew when I meant him at our Marine Reunion for  Vietnam,  Third Battalion -Ninth Marines -3rd Division, that we were to be good friends. I never meant anyone who did not respect him and thought well of him. He gave a helping hand to anyone who needed it. I will miss hearing from him as he always  made my troubles better.  May you rest in peace,  I will see you again.

Semper Fi
Thomas V. Reasch


It was an honor and privilege knowing and collaborating with Larry. Larry once served on the City of Surprise Veterans, Disability & Human Services Commission and led the effort to bring Veteran resources and services to the City of Surprise website homepage. We will miss working and speaking with Larry.

On behalf of the women and men of the City of Surprise Human Service & Community Vitality Department, we'd like to say thank you to Larry. Claire, thank you for sharing Larry with us. 

Seth Dyson 

Larry has been my friend for nearly 30 years. He was very instrumental in helping me to support our Veterans on my radio show in the mid-90s and early 2000s. He helped me arrange to have my afternoon show broadcast live on Veterans Day each year at the Arizona State Veteran Home in Phoenix.
Larry was certainly an inspiration to me. After giving so much in service to his country in combat, he continued passionately to do all he could for our veterans.
Although most of our contact in recent years has been via email, I cherish the times we spent together, especially having lunch. He was a man with a big heart, full of love for everyone. He dearly loved our country, but it was obvious to me and has been over the years of his great love for God Almighty and His Son, Jesus Christ. I will remember him as a wonderful believer, a true patriot, and a most loving, kind and giving person. And when God sends His Son Jesus Christ back to gather us together, I will certainly seek him out, to give him a big hug. Rest in peace my friend.


Dear Uncle Larry,
You are my hero and always have been.  My heart is broken to know your gone but I’ll cherish all the great memories we have made together. What a mark you have made in so many lives and I am so honored to be called your niece.  God bless and you will always be in my heart. Love always,
Karen Ann Gunthner

Uncle Larry, you will always be a my hero.  Me you talked about the Marines all the time. And going on road trip San Diego for a Marine platoon division reunion. And also going to the Marine ball with your wife which was a great experience thank you for serving your country and thank you for being the man that you are God bless you.

Larry was a very special and dear friend to both george and i  he got george into marine devil dogs and was on the veterans disabilitys commitee that george got him in  when george was running the meetings.Larry was like a father figure to me he was there when i neede advice on things also when we were at state convention at westgate we were at banquet and he was giving roses to the ladies he asked me to stand up  and he says there is a special young lady who is like an adopted daughter to me he gave me a roses so from that day on he earned the name pappa larry  larry we love you we miss you sempier fi and god bless rest in peace our loving friend love karen and george Van de langeryt

Dear Claire and family, our heartfelt condolences to you as you carry on without the love of your life. We pray that the wonderful memories and family and friends help sustain you.
Larry's legacy and the lives he has touched and the difference he has made to so many of us will keep his memory alive. We will always love and remember Larry , a true Patriot and loving servant. God bless you my dear friend. Debbie and Phil Yin

My forever hero.  You were the best man I've ever met in my life.  I love and respect you and look at you more as my dad than my biological father.  I have the highest respect for you even in death.  I am  broken. I miss you so much and you will always be missed and loved with so much respect from me,  a niece that's blessed to have met you and have you in my life.  I will forever hold in to the last words I had with you days before you passed.  God must be happy to have a hero in heaven.  I will forever be proud of the man I look up to and call my hero.  I love you uncle Larry. 

Dear Claire and loved family members,
It is with such great sadness to hear of the passing of Larry.
Larry was the finest man in all respects. A wonderful caring husband, father, and friend. It has been our greatest honour to call him a friend. We have wonderful memories.
Our sincerest deepest sympathy to you. We are thinking of you in your sadness.
RIP Larry - you were one the greatest men we have known.
Sincere condolences. Beth + Eric Chapman


Larry was appointed by the Governor to serve as an Arizona Veterans Service Commissioner back in the day and that is how I got to know him.  One of the biggest contributions from that time was that he got the Governor to lower the flag to half-mast when a service member was killed in action.  That tradition continues today.  Larry was also the mover and shaker behind the field cross memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Cave Creek.  He was shocked at the circus-like atmosphere of the Memorial Day event in Surprise and reminded everyone what that holiday was all about - honoring military personnel and veterans who have passed.  Inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame for his unwavering support of veterans, he has left so many veteran families better off for having known him.   I am not alone in knowing that I will miss this wonderful man.

Claire,
We will miss Larry's laugh and his contagious smile.  He was a Marine's Marine and a true hero.  His fight is over, and I know in the end he won.  We will miss him.  Our prayers.  

Semper Fi!
Mike and Carletta Noble  

Always working for Vets.  I will miss you Larry.

Worthy of recognition for his service to his community.

The Marine Corps League is forever enhanced and a better organization for his diligence.

My condolences to all; Our Community has suffered the loss of a great contributor to the Veterans of our Nation. A distinguished United States Marine; I am honored to have met and to have enjoyed his company at the USMC Birthday Events. He lived his life with honor and dedication in active duty and as a fine Veteran and citizen in retirement.  

So sorry for your loss.  I have many wonderful memories of Larry.   I know God has you and Jason in his arms.

Fondly Annie Schock

Claire,

Larry was one of the finest men I know, he was a brother in Christ, a close friemd amd Luke amd I cherished and enjoyed so many memories with You.  He was an exemplary Marine, and always willing to go the extra mile for any Marine and the Corps.  He will be deeply missed by many, but has a new duty assignment now guarding the gates of Heaven til we join him then

OBITUARY

Lawrence "Larry" Robert Brown

September 23, 1946 – January 11, 2023

Surprise Funeral Care

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