Larry Eugene Stanley, Sr.

On the evening of February 28, 2023, our beloved brother, friend, father, and grandpa passed from this earthly realm. Larry Eugene Stanley, Sr., a long-time Great Falls resident, was born at home in Nashville, Tennessee on November 4,1942. He was welcomed by his parents, Nellie Christine Thompson Stanley and Harry C. Stanley. Larry joined his sister, Norma Jean Stanley (William) Bensley and brother, Roy Wayne (Carol Taylor) Stanley, in what was certainly a lively household. Larry quickly grew into an active, inquisitive boy. Even from an early age, any form of transportation fascinated him. Our mother would chuckle remembering that he learned how to turn a wrench and apply grease to gears when he was “barely old enough for school.”

After remarrying in 1950, our mother took Larry and his siblings on travels to several Air Force duty stations. A younger brother, Mark A. Raines joined the family while in Panama. From there, they went on to Germany, Colorado, and finally Montana. Soon after settling in Great Falls, a sister, Melanie K. Raines (John) Heckert, came along. Montana’s big sky, open space, and opportunity appealed to Larry, so Great Falls became home base in 1958. Serving as a starting point for the exploration of all Montana has to offer, he covered thousands of miles on every possible road surface. “Of all the roads you take in life, make sure some of them are dirt.”

During 1962, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Jordan. Together, they had 3 children, Debbie Lynn Stanley, Larry E. Stanley, Jr, (Lucinda Godak), and Heidi Stanley (James) Kohls. Larry leaves a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one of his greatest delights, which include grandson, Levi Stanley and his daughters, Aspen and Ember; granddaughter, Lara Stanley (Austin) Fowler and their son, Kashius Cruz; granddaughter, Madison Kohls (Charles Rasnick); and grandson, Logan Kohls. Watching his family grow in grace was, as he described it, “wonderful.”

Anyone who knew Larry can certainly attest to the fact that he loved fast cars and the fun that goes along with such a passion. He and his racing buddies poured a great deal of energy into The Electric City Speedway during the 60s and 70s. We went to the races for a couple hours just last summer; as we sat in the car and watched ’em fly around the track, Larry laughed with joy and delight. Finally, the bank had been corrected on the corners because they were always a little too steep. Time spent in the pits at the track, under a car hood, or behind the wheel with him instructing has certainly brought many of us closer to driving excellence!

During the Vietnam conflict, Larry served in the U.S. Army as a Tank Specialist stationed in what was then, West Germany. He explored Europe during his 3 years there, visiting many great libraries and monuments. Upon his return home in the Spring of 1975, the Sun River was flooding his neighborhood. His home had 6 feet of water on the main floor and a basement full of mud. Undaunted, he started the process of drying out his house and those of his neighbors. Larry never hesitated when it came to helping others. While scooping mud into buckets for months, living in a travel trailer in the backyard, and eating meals at The Iceberg Café, the next year unfolded gently. On a particularly late and dirty evening, Larry met a sweet waitress who, like him, smoked her own hand rolled cigarettes. Smitten he was! Vicki Rae Matthews soon became Larry’s partner in life. The slice of paradise they created together on the west side of Great Falls was a joy to all who visited for many years. Gardens, chickens, and creative projects galore led Larry to fondly recall their years together as some of the finest in his 80-year experience. They remained friends until her passing in 2012.

Certainly, there are many years of memories to share. Perhaps it was the cabins near Garnet or his time in Livingston that brought him onto your path. Maybe you connected over a mutual appreciation of an old car or truck. So many friends, neighbors, and co-workers were touched by Larry’s seemingly unlimited love and compassion along the way. He always remembered his family’s birthdays and rarely missed their phone calls. For all of us here, he left this: “They say that if you get to the end of your life and one person loves you, you’re a millionaire. I feel like I’m wealthy beyond measure because I know I’m loved by so many.” Indeed, dear one. Indeed.

Larry was preceded to the next realm by his infant daughter, Debbie; his parents; and stepfather, Arnold H. Raines. He is survived by siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who laid his earthly remains to rest at the Manchester Cemetery. Donations in honor of Larry’s life and memory may be made to Electric City Speedway, or Heifer International. A celebration of Mr. Larry Stanley’s life is planned for a later date.