Larry Allen Walle, 77, passed away Sunday, September 20 at Salina Regional Health Center. Born on April 6, 1943 in Salina, Larry grew up on the family farm near Culver, Kansas. It was there that he became an avid outdoorsman, and especially loved fishing. In addition, Larry learned to play trumpet by ear, and if he heard a song once, he could play it beautifully. He went on to become an accomplished, talented and well-known trumpet player throughout the Salina area. At the age of 18, in 1961, Larry became a firefighter with the Salina Fire Department. Soon after, he served his country during the Vietnam War, joining the US Navy, stationed aboard the USS Constellation. In the Navy, Larry served as Machinist Mate and was invited to join the prestigious bugle corp. Upon his return from the Navy, Larry met and married the love of his life, Diane. Until the day he died, he would tell anyone she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Larry became a loving dad to her daughter, Michelle, and together Larry and Diane had four sons; Craig, Michael, Eric and Mark. Soon after Craig was born, the family relocated to McPherson, where Larry became Captain with the McPherson Fire Department. While Captain, he received a commendation for a flood water rescue in which he risked his own life to save the lives of two young boys.

Larry was also a talented carpenter and drywall specialist, and enjoyed working part time with Joe Miller Construction Company. Larry and Diane also designed their own home, which Larry built himself. Eventually, the family returned to Salina, where Larry became a master group machinist with Phillip’s Lighting, retiring there in 2010. Larry was known for his outspoken personality, positive attitude and sense of humor. Wherever Larry went, he touched many lives, and was a friend, mentor and inspiration to so many.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Geneva Walle, his brother, Eugene Walle, and his nephew, James Curtis Walle.

He is survived by his sister, Joanne Potts. Larry will be dearly missed by his wife, Diane; his daughter, Michelle Lilly; his sons, Craig, Michael, Eric and Mark; his grandchildren;

Adrian Stafford, Tristan Lilly, Grace Walle, Theresa (Tess) Walle, Regan Walle and Vivian Walle; and his great grandsons, Brenden Schell, Jaden Stafford, and Julian Stafford.

Friends and family are invited to a rosary on Larry’s behalf, to begin at 6 pm Wednesday, September 23 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Salina, with a visitation to follow. Larry’s funeral will be held Thursday, September 24, at 10 am at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Internment will be at All Saints Cemetery, Salina, with military burial honors presented by the U.S. Navy.

Condolences may be sent to Ryan’s Funeral Home, Salina, Kansas.