Larry Wardell

Larry Bruce Wardell was born in Ontario, Oregon on February 26, 1946 to Fred and Lillian Wardell. He spent much of his childhood in West Yellowstone and the Island Park area. It was there that he developed his love of hunting, fishing and all things nature related. He moved and graduated in 1964 from Pocatello High School.

After spending 2 summers working for the Forest Service in & around West Yellowstone, he joined the Navy and saw the world. He was trained as a radarman, serving the longest on the USS Chipola. It was an oiler that serviced many ships involved with the Vietnam War. He, along with his shipmates were awarded a commendation for service during difficult times including a typhoon. The Chipola also served as an "extra" in the movie Tora Tora Tora for a reinactment of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

After his discharge he gained employment with Mountain Bell where he served for more than 35 years and several company name changes. In 1973 he married Janet Matthies. Three days before his passing was their 48th wedding anniversary. He retired in 2005 and spent his time pursuing his life long passion of being outdoors. He thrived on sharing his knowledge with his kids and grandkids. When his health began its decline he enjoyed many day trips with his daughter exploring the local countryside. He discovered he liked gardening and won the unspoken competition for the greenest yard in the neighborhood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Freddy, brother Dan and granddaughter Journey.

He is survived by his wife Jan, son Derek, daughter Kaylea, grandchildren Reanna and Dylan, and his sister Valonna.

Interment will be in the family plot in Ucon, Idaho, June 16, 2021 at 11 AM.

Memories and condolences may be left under the share a memory section.