Larry Edward Beckwith moved on from this realm on June 23, 2023, 80 years to the day after he was born. Larry was born June 23, 1943 in Lander, Wyoming to parents Leroy and Dorothea (Johnson) Beckwith. He grew up in the Big Horn Basin with siblings, Leroy, Edna, Sybil and Robert. He enjoyed playing sports in school, lettering twice in football and graduated with the Class of 1961 in Lander, Wyoming. After graduation, Larry enlisted in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1965.
He married Vanita (Ayers) Stevens in 1967, moving to Sheridan in 1968. There they raised daughters, Teri and Jolena. They later divorced. He found extreme joy in watching Teri and Jolena sing and perform in plays and on stage. He also created a special song for Jolena when she was born, that he sang to her often.
After moving to Sheridan, he pursued several different careers up until his retirement from Sheridan Commercial. He was an avid sports fanatic; no matter what sport it was, whether in person or on TV, he was watching it. He attended many Denver Bronco games, as well as being a season ticket holder, and attended Wyoming Cowboy games every chance he had. He will surely be cheering for them in his new adventure. Bowling is a sport that he loved, belonging to several leagues while living in Sheridan.
He was also strong in his faith and a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Sheridan. He held several positions in his church and was an Awana leader for many years. Larry was a member of United Baptist Church of Riverton at the time of his death.
Shortly after retiring, he moved back to the Big Horn Basin area where he met the love of his life, Pat Simkin. Together they traveled and frequented the Senior Centers enjoying a meal and playing Bridge, Pinochle and any other card games being offered. He always said “Take care and God Bless” as a farewell greeting. After his loving Pat passed away, he chose to settle in Riverton, WY, where he attended church and played cards with his buddies at the Senior Center.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Edna; Brother, Leroy; Daughter, Teri McDonald along with other family members. He is survived by his daughter Jolena (Beckwith) Hardee, grandchildren: Deklan, Shylah, and Keelan McDonald, Josie Mae Hardee, sons-in-law, John McDonald and Tyler Ostwalt, who all reside in Montana, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at the United Baptist Church, 1201 E. Pershing Ave, Riverton, WY, on Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at 11 am.