Larry Leroy Fann

Leaving behind a legacy filled with faith, service, kindness, and a great love for his family and country, his fellow warriors and friends.

Larry was born in Emporia, Kansas on Friday, October 13th, 1947, to Ruby Marie Wilson and Morgan Dawson Fann. Larry graduated from Bella Vista High School in Fair Oaks, California in 1965. Several months after graduation he attempted to enlist in the Marine Corps but was denied due to childhood asthma. In 1966 he accepted a civil service position at McClellen AFB in Sacramento, California where he completed training as a aircraft sheet metal mechanic apprenticeship before enlisting in the Army in September 1968 to attend Warrant Officer Flight Training. The Army didn’t care about asthma. He graduated 4th in his class and was immediately awarded Chinook Helicoptor-47 transition. In Vietnam her served with the 147th Assault Helicoptor Company, call sign Hillclimbers, in Vung Tau and later in Can Tho. He held positions as Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot. He flew 1,694 combat flight hours.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, 2 Bronze Stars with V device for valor, 32 Air Medals and numerous other awards.

After leaving Vietnam he joined the California National Guard flying CH-47’s. He served in the Guard/Reserves in the states of California, Washington and Hawaii. He retired in 1997 as Chief Warrant Officer 4.

He served over 30 years with the Federal Aviation Administration, retiring in 2004 as an Aviation Safety Inspector. He graduated from Eastern Washington University with a BS degree in Education in 1979.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carol, his son Jeffrey and his daughter Ashleigh whom also served and retired from the US Army. His brother Marshall Ryan Fann, sister Marsha Marie Amorfini, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his younger brother David Leo Fann.

Larry was kind, fiercely loyal and loved his family and country with all his heart. He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him.