Larry Joseph Herman

From an early age, Larry showed an unmistakable interest and natural talent for all things mechanical. Even as a young boy, his creativity and mechanical ability were evident. He was featured in the local newspaper with a custom-built bicycle, which he proudly rode off a wooden ramp before cruising around the neighborhood.

Larry and his family later moved to Bakersfield, where his mother, Judy, met and married Johnny Wheat. Their family soon grew, and Larry gained two brothers, Johnny Jr. and Bobby. The boys grew up together, sharing countless memories and adventures. Larry attended High School in Bakersfield while working in the automotive field and developing his lifelong passion for customizing classic vehicles alongside his cousins, Kenny and Benny.

Larry and his dad, Johnny Wheat, were truly two peas in a pod. They enjoyed gardening together, but their greatest shared passion was working on and showing off their badass rides. Cars were more than a hobby for Larry—they were a way of life, a creative outlet, and a means of connecting with the people he loved.

Larry later became a father to his beloved daughter, Jayme. From the very beginning, Jayme was his pride and joy, and he took great pleasure in sharing his love of classic vehicles with her. He eventually built Jayme her very first vehicle, a 1967 Ford Mustang, passing along not only a car but also a piece of the passion and craftsmanship that had defined so much of his own life. Jayme grew up loving classic vehicles just as much as her dad.

In 1991, through his good friends John and Sarah, Larry met the love of his life, Donna. From that moment forward, Donna remained by Larry’s side through thick and thin, and she was there beside him on his final day.

Through Donna, Larry was blessed to become part of the lives of her children, Alicia and Jeremy. Just as he had with Jayme, Larry and Alicia shared a special bond through their work on restoring a square-body Chevy truck together.

Jeremy became the son Larry never had. Larry took great pride in teaching Jeremy all the things a father teaches his son—from rebuilding cars and fishing, to shooting, and countless other lessons along the way. More than just teaching him skills, Larry gave Jeremy his time, guidance, friendship, and love. Their bond was one that went far beyond cars or hobbies; Larry truly became a father figure in Jeremy’s life.

Larry was the proud owner of No Muff Too Tuff, a muffler shop located on the Garces Circle in Bakersfield. The shop's unmistakable bright yellow paint became a local landmark, made even more memorable by Larry's 1959 Chevrolet El Camino, also painted bright yellow, which stood proudly out front and helped draw customers in. It was quintessential Larry—bold, colorful, mechanical, and impossible to overlook.

Later in life, Larry retired from the automotive industry and found great happiness spending time with his partner, Donna, and their children, Alicia and Jeremy, in their beautiful West Bakersfield home. Their home was a place of comfort and joy, surrounded by an astounding palm tree garden, a sparkling swimming pool, and their beloved dogs, Petie and Ed.

But Larry's greatest joy and deepest sense of purpose came from being a grandfather. His grandchildren- Tyler, Talulah, Mason, Deakin, and Penelope—brought an extraordinary happiness to his life. He adored them, and they adored their Papa in return. The memories they created together will remain a lasting part of his family's story.

Larry also loved to travel. His trips to Australia were among the highlights of his life. He was fascinated by the Australian hot rod culture and delighted in the natural beauty of its coastlines. On another memorable adventure, Larry traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii, where he rented a Harley-Davidson and took in the beauty of paradise from the seat of a motorcycle.

Larry and Donna also spent many fond hours traveling up and down the California coastline in their GMC Camper Special Pickup. Together, they enjoyed the scenery, the open road, and, most importantly, each other's company.

Closer to home, Larry was a regular at Famoso Drag Strip, where he attended the March Meet year after year with friends and family, including his cousin Melissa, who shared his gearhead passion. He loved gathering with those closest to him for barbecues at home, watching NASCAR and drag racing, and simply enjoying the company of the people he loved.

Larry passed away peacefully on his 65th birthday, August 18, 2026, in Utah, at Donna’s family home, after a long struggle with his health. His family grieves his loss deeply, yet there is comfort in knowing that on his birthday, Larry was reunited with those who had gone before him—his mother, Judy, his father, Tom, his Aunt Jeanie, and his beloved cousins, Kenny and Benny. After a lifetime of creating memories with the people he loved, Larry's final birthday brought him home to his family once again.

Larry lived a life defined by passion, creativity, family, friendship, and an unwavering love for anything with wheels and a motor. He leaves behind countless memories—of loud engines, beautiful cars, long drives, backyard barbecues, racing weekends, family gatherings, adventures across the country and around the world, and the unmistakable personality that made him uniquely Larry.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his memory will live on in every story shared, every classic car admired, every race watched, and every family gathering where someone inevitably tells a favorite Larry story.

Those who knew Larry will continue to honor him not by saying goodbye, but by reveling in the wonderful memories he left behind.