Larry Eugene Gass

Larry Gass
Circleville/St. George

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Larry Eugene Gass, age 85, left this earth on April 19, 2021, in St. George, Utah, due to complications of age and illness.
Larry was born October 11, 1935, in Circleville, Utah, the first of three children of Kenneth Eugene and Blanch Collings Gass. He enjoyed a blissful childhood and learned responsibility at a young age by milking cows before school and herding sheep during the summer months. This was the beginning of his lifelong love of the outdoors and nature.

He graduated from Piute High School where he served as student body president and was voted as Piute Chieftain, the most popular student, because of his charismatic personality. Even at a young age, he had a quick wit and could tell a good story. Although English was his least favorite class, he became an accomplished writer with beautiful handwriting.

After high school, he answered the call of duty by respectfully serving in the Korean War and developed a great love for his country.

He was always grateful for the day he married his high school sweetheart, Coleen Wiltshire, on September 6, 1958, and together they were blessed with four children.

He attended Southern Utah State College and Utah State University where he received a bachelor's degree in range management. His knowledge of plants and ecosystems was extensive. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management and was respected as someone who was fair to grazers and allowed use of the land in a sustainable manner. He found great satisfaction in forming partnerships to make improvements to the range.

After retiring, he and Coleen spent many relaxing summers as visitor information hosts at Fish Lake, and winters in Arizona.

Larry never knew a stranger because he could strike up a conversation with anyone. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, hunting stories, love of the mountains, delicious Dutch oven cooking, kind heart, and his ability to brighten any room with his sense of humor. Most importantly, he will be remembered as a fun grandpa and devoted husband and father who would do anything for his family.

His humor, captivating stories, optimism, cheerful greetings, and hugs will truly be missed.

Larry is survived by his wife, Coleen, St. George; children: Angela Cluff, St. George; Taunee and Gordon Ellett, Loa; Deven and Stacie Gass, Circleville; and Patrick and Kengie Gass, St. George; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sisters, Anna and Richard “Stan” Pollock, Panguitch; Maurine and Bob Jones, Hurricane; sisters-in-law, Carolyn McIntosh, St. George; Evyonna “Bonnie” and Ralph Brinton, Salt Lake City.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 24, at 11:00 a.m. in the Circleville 1st Ward Chapel, where friends may call for viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Circleville Cemetery with military honors by the Harold Brown American Legion Post #92. Funeral Directors:  Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com