It is with great sadness we announce the passing of:
Colonel Larry L. Gragg (Retired)…"Larry", a friend to many, mentor to dozens and admired and respected by most everyone who came in contact with him, decided to depart this earthly world on February 11, 2025.
Larry entered this earthly world in Denver Colorado on March 29, 1943. Born to Homer Joe and Ireene (Schultz) Gragg.
Larry lived his early years in Nebraska and Iowa. He moved to Northeast Washington during his teenage years. During Larry's sophomore year of at Ione HS, he met his future wife, Sharron Launer in the basement of a local church (story for another time). Larry worked at various summer jobs while living in Ione and Metaline Falls to include mining, planting dynamite on the face of "The Rock" during the construction of Boundary Dam. Larry was great at blowing things up from his "on the job" training with his buddy Willy blowing up tree stumps while working for his future father in law, George Launer.
Larry's married life began in 1965 when his childhood sweetheart Sharron, said Yes! Jason was the first addition to the family in 1969 and Torrey made the family four in 1971.
Larry graduated from WSU in 1966, was drafted, entered Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning and was on his way as a second lieutenant to his first tour of duty in Viet Nam in 1968, during the TET Offensive. Not wanting to go back to Viet Nam as a "GroundPounder" Larry applied for flight school and went back to Viet Nam flying Cobras in 1969-71. Larry's 31 year military career continued with an ROTC assignment at WSU, Defense Language School in Monterey CA, three years in Panama, four years at the Pentagon, back to Panama with a short three month tour as Commander, JTF-Bravo, then to Honduras as Military Group Commander, finishing his career back in Panama and retiring from the US Army as Chief of Staff, U.S. Army South, Panama on March 14, 1997.
Larry's military awards include two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Army Aviation Badge, Army Commendation Medal and many more.
The Military was Larry's second love, his first love was his family and friends. He was so proud of his sons and grandsons. One of Larry's favorite activities was taking his grandsons on hikes around the area or picking huckleberries. He loved being with his family and friends at sporting events, school activities, family gatherings, especially 4th of July celebrations. Or just sitting around with family and friends "Shootin' the breeze" as he liked to say.
Larry is survived by his wife Sharron of 59 years, his sons Jason and Torrey, his grandsons, Christian, Jacob (Caitlin) and Evan. Larry is also survived by his sister Sandy (Jim) Southwick, and many cousins, nieces and nephews….he loved all!
We will remember the Donald Duck voice, your wild dance steps, your wonderful sound effects playing with your sons and grandsons, your complete attention when someone talked with you……your thoughtful advice which was sometimes to the point…Get your s—t together!!!
Larry, you are loved and you will be dearly missed.
"Wherever a beautiful soul has been, the gift of beautiful memories remains."
A celebration of Larry's life will be held on August 2, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Selkirk High School gymnasium with a reception following at the American Legion Post #144 in Metaline Falls Washington.
Suggested donations to Wounded Warrior Project, Hospice of Spokane or the charity of your choice.