Lawrence Arlen Minor Sr., a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving children. He was just three weeks, and three days shy of his 88th birthday, having been born on June 16, 1937. Larry lived a life full of purpose, passion, and an unwavering faith in God, to whom he ultimately surrendered his spirit.

Born and raised in Oregon City, Oregon, Larry was the eldest child of Lloyd and Ruby Minor and big brother to Gary, Karen, Kathy, David, and Doug. Naturally athletic from a young age, Larry excelled in track and field, particularly shot put and discus, and was a star football player in both junior high and high school. He was the quintessential "Big Man on Campus." His talent earned him a football scholarship to Pacific University, though he soon chose to forge his own path.

Larry entered the U.S. Army in 1958 as a Private in the Infantry. After completion of Basic Infantry training, Advanced Infantry training, and N.C.O. Academy at Fort Ord, California, he was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia, for Infantry Officers Candidate School.

During Officer training at Fort Benning in 1959, Larry met his future wife, Sandra Rita Fernandez. Sandra was a schoolteacher in Tampa, Florida. She was on-hand to pin Larry's gold 2nd Lieutenant bars when he graduated in December 1959. Following his commissioning as an Infantry Officer, Larry remained in Fort Benning for further training as an Airborne (parachute) and U.S. Army Ranger.

He later attended flight school in 1962 and 1963, training to fly fixed-wing aircraft. Thus began a distinguished military aviation career that spanned 20 years.

In 1961, Larry married the love of his life, Sandy. They were married in the vault of the Ozark, Alabama courthouse and over the next eight years, their family grew to five children, each one born at a different duty station. After the birth of their first two children, Larry transitioned from the Army to the U.S. Coast Guard, where he learned to fly helicopters and C-130s.

Larry retired from the Coast Guard as a Commander in 1982, but he didn't slow down. He channeled his drive and eye for detail into a new venture: founding Manor House Custom Furniture. The family business became known for its craftsmanship and integrity, traits that defined Larry in all he did. After selling Manor House, he returned to aviation, flying 707s, 727s, and C-130s for seven more years on international missions with Southern Air Transport.

In 1992, Larry and Sandy "retired" to the 27-acre homestead in Beavercreek they had purchased early in their marriage. Together, they designed their dream home, and, with the help of Larry's brothers and sons, brought it to life with their own hands. Their homestead became the site of many beloved family reunions, with relatives camping out and enjoying long weekends of shared stories and laughter. In 2001, Larry and Sandy joined the Good Sam RV Club, where they made many dear friends and fun memories. Larry eventually served as Oregon State Director of Good Sam.

In 2011, just weeks shy of their 50th wedding anniversary, Sandy was called home. Her loss was deeply felt, but Larry found strength in the relationships he had with his children and grandchildren, and in the friendships he maintained and nurtured. He and Sandy had shared a love for genealogy, a work of the heart that Larry continued to pursue as a gift to future generations.

Larry remained strong and determined to the end. Five years ago, after a fall on the property, his daughter Rachel and her husband Dan made the selfless decision to return home and care for him. Their devotion included countless trips to the VA and the ER, and many hours of home and in-center dialysis. As Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Their care was a living testament to that love.

In his final moments, Larry saluted each of his children and gave his spirit back to the Lord.

Larry's indomitable spirit, strong work ethic, and quiet wisdom live on in his children and grandchildren. He was generous to a fault, kind-hearted, and wise. A man of few words, he led by example and extended grace while holding himself and others to high standards. He inspired everyone who knew him with his creativity, resourcefulness, and steady encouragement. No matter how old his children grew, he never stopped believing in them.

This obituary stands as a kind of memorial stone, part of the genealogical record that Larry and Sandy so loved to study and preserve. The days of his years were rich with meaning, and he has now been "gathered to his people," as Scripture says, and to the Lord. He awaits us there. May we strive to walk worthy of his example and pass on the clearly marked path that Larry and Sandy have left behind. Now reunited, they are together forever, never to be separated again.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy, his parents, Lloyd and Ruby Minor, and his brother Gary.
He is survived by his siblings: Karen, Kathy, David, and Doug; his five children: Becky, Larry Jr., Mitch, Rachel, and David; eleven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on through each of them, carried forward in love, strength, and faith.

Larry left us with three final words of encouragement:

"But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles." - Isaiah 40:31

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9

"Destination UP! Come fly with me. I'm on course." - Larry 1:1