Stevens

(Derwood) Larry Stevens, 83

(Derwood) Larry Stevens, 83, passed away on Jan. 7, 2017, after coping with complications of the stroke he experienced in 2015. He was born in Driggs, Idaho, on Jan. 5, 1934, to Derwood and Thelma (Hall) Stevens. The family moved to the Coeur d’Alene area when Larry was a youth, and he attended high school in Rathdrum, Idaho, where he participated in football and boxing. He went on to attend North Idaho Junior College (NIC) and then Brigham Young University.

In 1954, he served a mission in the Southern States for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After returning from his mission, he married Laura Jean Masten in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after their marriage, he volunteered for service in the Army and was eventually stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Here, he and Laura welcomed their first-born, Loralee, and began their family.

After his tour of duty was completed, Larry and Laura returned to North Idaho and continued to build their family. Larry logged (a trade he developed with his father’s logging company) while Laura worked as a nurse. At age 36, he returned to Eastern Washington University on the GI bill, completing his teaching degree. He began his teaching career at Coeur d’Alene High School as a metal shop teacher. With sawdust in his veins, however, logging never left him, and he spent most of his summers in the woods, logging with his sons.

Much of Larry’s life was dedicated to service. He spent many years in the Boy Scouts of America program — earning the prestigious Silver Beaver award. Many young men attribute their Eagle Scout badge to his leadership. He served with his church in many capacities, including Bishop of the Hayden Ward for the LDS Church.

In 2004, Larry and Laura moved to Spokane to live on his son’s property. He enjoyed his retirement as the “resident farmer” and could usually be found on a tractor or in his shop working on some project for his grandchildren. He also continued his metal work and became involved in the PET Project — a program that builds and ships hand cranked mobility carts for the leg disabled to countries all over the world.

Larry is survived by his wife, Laura; and their five children: Loralee of Rathdrum, Lynette Hall (Rick) of Meridian, Linda of Meridian, Loren Shane of Spokane and Leo (Becki) of Coeur d’Alene. Additionally, Larry enjoyed all 18 of his grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Lou Jean, Marvin, Donna, Carolyn, Clint and Cheryl; and foster daughter, Loren Red Dog.

Funeral services for Larry will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, in the LDS Hayden Stake Center, 2293 W. Hanley Ave., with a family viewing at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations in Larry’s name, be made to: The Northwest PET Project, 15123 N. Little Spokane Drive, Spokane, WA 99208-9524. Or, online: www.PETSpokane.org.