Larry Lloyd Gentry

Larry was the 4th of 5 children born on August 16, 1932 to Lloyd Ray and Leona (Leonard) Gentry in Scottsbluff, NE. He attended schools in the Nebraska panhandle and graduated from Sunflower High School, class of 1950, in Mitchell, NE. He moved to the Metro Denver area in 1960 and lived here until his death.  After all of his children were raised, he talked about moving to Las Vegas, NV to be closer to his son, but, for whatever his personal reasons were, he stayed in Colorado. After the death of his dear friend and roommate, Diana Ochoa, his eldest daughter insisted that he moved in with her. And, that is where he lived until his death. He is preceded in death by his parents; baby brother, Jerry Lee; Sister, Lorelei Reeder; Sister Jane E. Smith; and daughter Vicki Lynn Stagg. He is survived by his last remaining sibling, sister, Jackie (Arvid) Gompert;  eldest daughter, Valarie Gentry-Fernandez and her children, Tyffany (Skip) Murphy, their children, Zakk, Byron and Kaylynn; Amanda (Justin) Rutledge, their children, Carsyn and Aidyn; Shannon (Steve) Ruiz and their children, Steve Jr., Juliette and baby Xavier who is due in April; His son, Larry (Dana) Gentry and their children, Dr. Ashlyn Marie, Beau Ryan, Chandler Leigh and Dane Lawrence; daughter Yolanda (whom he lost contact with in 1999); Granddaughter, RaeLynn (Brandyne) Evans and their son Braedynne.  As well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many, many friends. His earthly journey ended at the same time his eternal journey began on January 29, 2015, after a long struggle with CHF. He made a living as an Auto Body Man and completely retired in 2000. He was a member of many organizations, and always made monthly contributions to St. Jude’s Hospital, Boys Town and the Wounded Warrior Project…just to name a few. A memorial service in his honor will be held on February 5, 2015 at the Northglenn Moose Lodge#2166, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Address of the Lodge is 11449 York Street. Those of us, who had the opportunity to have his journey intertwine with ours, knew him as a good man, with a deep and quiet soul. He gave of himself very often, without expecting anything in return.  He was also a complicated, tormented man. He wasn’t a religious man, but, he was a spiritual man. He was a farm kid who played sports in his youth, and enjoyed watching sports of all kinds in his later years….including baseball, boxing, the Kentucky Derby and the Indy 500. He was a Denver Broncos Fan, enjoyed College Football, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the CU Buffaloes.  Though, he tended to lean toward the Cornhuskers when the two teams played each other. He loved a good TV mystery.  in the 1960's he watched TV programs like I-Spy and the FBI, in the 1970's, the programs were McMillan and Wife, Columbo, Kojak, etc. , in the 1980's, Murder she wrote.  Then in the 2000,'s he was a creature of habit. If it wasn't re-runs of those old shows, he was in his room watching CSI, NCIS, SVU, ...but always from 6pm to 7pm, he was watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Going through his personal effects, it is quite obvious that he loved his family. In his wallet, he carried his children’s graduation pictures, even though they have been out of high school for nearly 40 years.  He had pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  His Eldest grand-daughter sent him a letter that he carried  in his wallet over 20 years, until it was discovered just a day or two ago. He had a tub in his closet that contained probably 1,000 cards, from Birthdays, and numerous other holidays.  That simple tub says a lot about those individuals that loved and cared about him. He had a very colorful life and had very colorful friends.  And so much could be added to this message, but, those of us who knew him, can remember all of the memories we have of him and how he touched our lives. His son commented that his father gave him the work ethic that he now has.  Larry was a workaholic. Although it has been said, when one door closes, another one opens….it is our hope as Larry’s Earthly door was closing, the Eternal door was opening, and he was able to stand up on his own and walk through that door, beginning his new, eternal  journey,  with no remorse.   Having peace, and no longer in pain, or suffering. Safe Journey, Dad…..Safe Journey…..We love you!