Larry Wayne Garton

Celebrating Life

Larry Wayne Garton, age 80, born on August 27, 1943 in Hobart, Oklahoma, died peacefully on October25, 2023 in Richland, Washington surrounded by his family.
Larry was born to Wayne and Virginia Garton and was the oldest of four boys. The family moved to Twin Falls, ID and later to Milton Freewater, OR where Larry attended elementary school. The remainder of his school years were spent in Pendleton, OR after the family permanently settled there. Larry began working at age 16 at Safeway, which enabled him to purchase his dream car, a 1959 Corvette. Larry graduated from Pendleton High School in 1961. In June of 1963 he met the love of his life and soul mate, Joan Fields from Graham, WA. After meeting Larry, Joan moved to Pendleton in July and he proposed in August, and she said yes! Larry and Joan were married on October 19, 1963.
Larry joined the U.S. Army in 1966. He attended boot camp at Fort Ord, CA. He trained at Fort Devens, MA and was in the Army Security Agency as a Communications Security Analyst. Larry did a tour in Vietnam and received the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After Vietnam Larry was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii for the remainder of his Army service and was honorably discharged in 1972. During his years in the military, Larry made many lifelong friendships that he cherished. Larry loved his country and flag and remained a true patriot and soldier throughout his life.
Larry and Joan welcomed two children, Lori and David. He took great pride in his family and was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa. He was kind, hardworking, giving, he was everyone’s friend, and was admired and respected by those who knew him. He was fiercely competitive when it came to playing games and often spewed funny phrases, such as “real marvey”, “that’s about the limit”, “dadgummit”, “Oh for hell’s sake”, “dagnabbit” and “poopus maximus”.
Larry’s career was diverse. He worked many years with Fleetwood as Assistant Purchasing Manager in Pendleton and as Purchasing Manager in Sunnyside, WA. He went on to be the Service Manager at Pendleton Ford. In the latter part of his career, he found satisfaction in working with farmers designing and selling irrigation systems with Wade Rain, Farmore Irrigation, PGG and he retired from Dunning Irrigation.
Larry helped put the Pendleton Underground Tours project together and was very active in the Optimist Club in 1975 when they had the first high school rodeo and started the youth football program. He also coached little league. Larry had many hobbies and interests including hunting, playing cards, games and dominoes, fishing, golf, softball, baseball and camping. He loved classic cars and drag racing. He was a long-time member of the Pendleton Pool League and earned numerous 1st place trophies. Larry was passionate about guns and was a 2-time state champion in bench rest shooting. He loved watching the Seattle Mariners and Pendleton Bucks girls’ softball. Larry also enjoyed meeting his friends every morning for coffee at the Rainbow.
Larry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Garton, daughter Lori and son David (Stacie), brothers Phil (Mo), Rick (Diane), Doug (Teri) and grandsons Riley (Kendra) and Brayden, step grandchildren Kody and Kylie, Aunt Marietta, Aunt Mona, brother-in-law David (Barbara), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews and life-long friends Ron and Gail Perry. Larry was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Virginia Garton and nephew Chris Garton.
Graveside service with full military honors is on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Skyview Memorial Park, 70116 US-395, Pendleton, OR. Reception immediately following at Hodgen Distributing located at 4340 Westgate, Pendleton, OR.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Disabled American Veterans or the Wounded Warrior Project in Larry’s name. Obituary courtesy of Pendleton Pioneer Chapel. 

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