Larry Jerome Fuchs

December 14, 1939 – March 20, 2026

On Friday, March 20, 2026, Larry Jerome Fuchs (or “Larry J”), a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 86.

Larry was born in Lewiston, Idaho to Sylvester and Grace (Hoctor) Fuchs. He was the third of eight children who grew up in Eastern Washington (Yakima and Goldendale). Part of Larry's youth involved working at the family chicken farm; he would explain how advanced the farm was with eggs automatically rolling down chutes after they were laid and working on an early WSU experiment by attaching red glasses on the chickens to prevent them from pecking each other. Larry carried this inventive nature throughout his life.

Larry graduated from Marquette High School in Yakima where he excelled in the arts and played defensive end on the Marquette football team. After Graduating, Larry attended YVC.

Larry proved to be a motivated worker at a young age. As a young adult, he decided to make painting his profession as he always enjoyed working with his hands and artistic pursuits. In his early 20s, Larry founded Larry J. Fuchs Painting Company in 1962 shortly after starting a family with his first wife, Carole.

Due to Larry's artistic talent and commitment to excellence his business flourished and became a well-respected painting contractor. Fuchs Painting Company served the Yakima community (and beyond) for 60 years. Larry was also highly noted nationally where he served as State, Regional, and National Presidents of the PDCA (now the Painting Contractors Association). Larry’s community involvement extended through decades with the Rotary Club and the Yakima Chamber of Commerce.

In the late 70s, Larry married Judy and they joined their young families, making fond memories with seven kids in tow. Among these memories are treasured weekends at the cabin on Rimrock Lake where Larry tirelessly enabled water skiing, snowmobiling, skiing, fishing and hiking adventures for the family with readily available “safety first” tips!

Larry also loved to drive – in the countryside and on the greenway. Some of his best days were playing golf with the family in Arizona or driving to Whistling Jacks for lunch with Judy on a sunny fall day.

Throughout his life, Larry excelled as a maker & artist, shared his entertaining humor with family & friends, passionately engaged in conversation and had a genuine, perceptive outlook for the well-being of others.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Judy, his children Jill (John) Robb, Jenifer (Tim) Garvey, Kim Fuchs, Sara (Michael) Gamble, his step-children Lisa (Jose) Garcia, Erin (John) Schulz, Kurt (Julie) Schulz, 11 grandchildren: Melanie, Calvin, Timothy, Grace, Kieran, Grant, Ty, Eric, Bodie, Patrick and Daniel; five great-grandchildren: Clara, Ana, Evan, Ryan, and Wren; and his brother, Frank (Katy) Fuchs.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Christopher; his parents; and six of his siblings.

A time for a final goodbye has been set aside at Keith and Keith Funeral Home on Monday April 6, 2026 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday April 7, 2026 10:00, with reception to follow. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Larry’s memory to a charity meaningful to you.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Avamere Memory Care, who created a true sense of home and community for Larry. He felt genuinely cared for and took pride in being part of that community