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Larry David Stephenson

Jan. 14, 1941 - Jun. 13, 2024

Date of Service: Jul. 6, 2024

BURLEY – Larry David Stephenson, the greatest husband, dad, grandpa (or BAMPA as the grandkids called him), brother and friend passed away June 13, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was 83 years young.

Larry was born in Burley, Idaho, on January 14, 1941, to Charles W. and Allie Mae Glover Stephenson, joining siblings Charles, Peggy and Dorothy. A few years later Ronnie and Barbara completed their family. Larry grew up in Milner on the farm his dad homesteaded, learning lifelong skills and hard work.

He attended school in Murtaugh and Burley, Idaho, through the ninth grade. In January of 1956, his father sold the farm and moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, where Larry continued school through 11th grade, when they realized he was dyslexic. You would have never known it though; he was one of the most intelligent, resourceful, and hard-working men. In 1960, his first daughter, Shannon, was born. In early 1961, he met the love of his life, Sue Tussey, and a short time later made her his bride on November 5, 1961. They spent over 62 years together building a beautiful family and life together. Larry and Sue were blessed with three more beautiful daughters, Lorry, Lana, and Lisa.

He started working at Ore-Ida Foods in 1962, as a foreman on graveyard, later promoting to a supervisor where many people worked under his leadership. On September 8, 1975, Sue and Larry built and opened A Side Door, a local furniture, woodworking, and antique store in south Burley. Later in 1981, they built Overland Mini Storages, still in operation today. Larry and Sue spent 29 years working side by side restoring beautiful pieces of furniture and successfully managing both businesses. Their business was a true small-town business, a place where grandkids ran around nearby, and friends stopped for coffee daily.

Larry struggled in his early years with alcoholism and, in 1985, gained his sobriety. He was active in the Alcoholics Anonymous program throughout his life continuing to go to meetings until the end. He relied upon the wonderful people in the program that supported him and helped him maintain his sobriety. Later he and Sue sponsored and supported many in recovery and developed lifelong friendships with others in the program.

Grandpa was a family man through and through, there was nothing he would not do for his wife, family, and friends. He was so proud of the family he built and had a strong relationship with all of them. He was a staple of the community and made friends wherever he went with his charm and quick sense of humor. He gave the best hugs, cracked the funniest jokes and sayings, had a nickname for everyone, loved a good burger and fries, a good cup of coffee, a cold Diet Pepsi and a sweet treat in the morning.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Sue; his daughters, Shannon (Jim) Gnesa, Lorry Nickel, and Lana (Chris) Reichert; grandchildren, Nicole “Snooks” (Dustin) Carson, Crystal Miller, Jillyen (Justin) Rathbun, Brandon (Maci) McAlister, Kambree (Brandon) Watson, Brodee (Teagan) McAlister, Braxton McAlister, Taytym (Winston) Sanchez, and Penelope Reichert; his great-grandchildren, Mason, Kenadee, Kynlee, Baylee, Ryden, Brogan, McKenna, Kase, Brynlee, Logan, Nyx, Reagan and many others; his sister, Barbara Shacklett; brother-in-law, Gary (Karen) Tussey; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best friend of 38 years, Skip Hilton (“Skippy Dippy Do”) who was by his side almost daily and together they shared many adventures with, their dear friends, Tom and Anita Jones; as well as Larry’s cat/dog, Poky.

He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Lisa; his parents; and siblings, Charles, Peggy, Dorothy, and Ronnie.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life on July 6, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., at the Carson residence, located at 961 S. 50 W, of Burley. A light lunch with be served. We ask that you bring your favorite memories to share with everyone.

In lieu of flowers and true to their life and years volunteering in children’s organizations, Sue would like donations made to the Court Appointed Special Advocate Guardians and Litem for children (CASA-GAL), Southwest Idaho (third district). PO Box 789 Caldwell, ID 83606; Phone: (208) 459-9969; www.casaofswidaho.org

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Condolences for Larry David Stephenson

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From The Allreds:

Sue and family. We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. We have only pleasant memories of you and Larry and your more-than-willingness to always help when needed.

From Lana Reichert:

Dad, my life will never be the same now that you’re gone. I miss everything! Your unconditional love, laugh, goofiness, kindness, big hugs, guidance and the support you’ve given me my entire life. I was so blessed to have you as my father. I will miss talking to you during our Green Bay games. I know you’ll always be with me and watching over me. Love you, Lana

From Kimberly Murphy:

Sue, and Family,
I am sooo sorry to read of Larry’s passing. I have many wonderful memories. He was always good for a little teasing.. sending love and prayers kim

From Kaylyn:

Such a kind caring person. Always full of sunshine with a beautiful smile whenever I saw him. He was one of a kind and will be missed dearly!!

From Fritz Frazier:

R.I.P.

From Dwight Hollinger :

So sorry to hear about the passing of Larry. I remember when I first met Larry back in the Ore-Ida days, his sense of humor brought so much joy to those around him. Rest in peace Larry, your family and friends will surely miss you.

From Andy Maestas :

Sue, Judy and I are so sorry for the passing of your wonderful husband, Larry. He was such a s friendly individual and so easy to speak with.

From Jim Bowers:

My heartfelt condolences and sympathy to you, Sue and all the family. 1987 Larry and Skip saved my life. Larry was an amazing man and mentor.

From David Kerbs:

Sending my deepest condolences -Larry came in to my life when I needed a kind ,patient and loving person.I am grateful for his presence in my life.

From Doreen Lowder:

Sue so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. Sending prayers of comfort to and your family

From Roger Price:

This is Roger Price who was friends and worked with Larry at Ore-Ida. I was his Shift Forman when he got his arm caught in the machinery and nearly severed his arm. I am sad for his passing and extend my condolences to you, Sue and to your family.

From Chuck and Becky:

Larry was one of my favorite people. He was funny, caring and so kind hearted. Chuck and I thought the world of him. We have lost one of the best.

From Dan and Terrie Shockey :

Sue and family, we were sorry to learn of Larry’s passing. We always enjoyed our visits with you two. We are sending sincere condolences, hugs and prayers for peace.

From Randy Kloer:

Sue, we were very sad to here of Larry’s passing, please accept our deepest sympathy for you and the entire family. We will all miss Larry very much.

From Mona:

Sue and family—Mont and I are sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. We all had a lot of fun back in the day. Great memories.

From Amber Walker:

Sue, so sorry to hear about Larry's passing. He was such a wonderful character and great neighbor to Jack and Lorraine Williams. Lots of love and hugs to you, Amber Walker

From Blaine and Ardith Searle:

Oh we are so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Our prayers are with you all.

From Garth Dayley:

May Larry rest in peace. Sue and girls you have my deepest condolences.

From Garth Dayley:

Sue and girls this is Garth. I was the UPS driver for years. The care and respect I have for Larry and you all will be forever. May Larry R.I.P.

From WeldonGeorge :

Larry was a neighbor growing up.
I shot him with a BB gun. His mother sent me home with a few choice words.

From Pam Percival and Bob:

So sorry for your loss Sue and family

From Jon and Susan :

So sorry for your loss but Larry can now rest in peace! Many wonderful memories of your years together from our Buhl days to many years in Burley. May the Good Lord give you peace as your family enjoys your many wonderful memories of Larry. We all were made better knowing you both and we love you.

From Joni :

Larry was an inspiration to me. He had a very kind soul. When I think of Larry I see Earl, Tom, Harvey and Dano surrounding him at the table drinking coffee and giving hugs freely. Sue, Nicole, and Kambree I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Larry. I will miss you my friend.

From Your “Shnooks”:

The greatest grandpa, husband, dad, friend and man. We will miss you forever grandpa. Thank you for a lifetime of love and support.

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