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LARRY, LENCHO and CRAZY HORSE
No mater which name you knew him as, you knew he was a faithful servant of the Lord.
Born in El Paso Texas Jan 18, 1930. Passed into the arms of our Lord at the VA Hospital in West Los Angeles, CA on Sept 2, 2018 at the age of 88. He had family present along with his faithful K-9 companion, Pepper, laying next to him in bed when he slipped into the Lord's loving arms.
He loved his family and was a wonderful provider.
There are many facets to this diamond in the rough. I know he was a water-boy at the age of 5 in the cotton fields with his family but chased rabbits while on the job. He was raised in a convent and also by his grandma who he credits for his name... Florencio.
He may have had a tough start but went on to the Navy where he was honorably discharged as an E-3 Seaman. He was a Gunners Mate and as such was a 5 inch projectile loader in turret 2 on the USS DeHaven - DD 727. He had 3 tours of duty in the Korean War. His ship was very active in bombardments from the sea in support of ground troops.
After his military days he may have wondered around for a few years but by some encouragement from his brother he went to work for McDonnell Douglas for 20 years and then onto Northrop Grumman where he put in another 20 years.
Others things were coaching kids in baseball and football at Penmar Park in Venice and some still refer to him as Coach, he was Chaplin and Honor Guard for AmVets Post 2 in Culver City for many many years, He drove and delivered food for Meals on Wheels over 25 years, he was a faithful Crossing Guard at St Marks church, he held a reading circle at Walgrove Elementary school, He was an activist with his wagon and dog Lencha about the misuse of VA land off Wilshire, He defiantly was an animal lover who would bring in a stray, and you could also find him around Holy Cross Cemetery taking care of family who are there with his watering can, clippers, flowers, and a little hand broom, so as you can see... he was a true servant to his fellow man and beast.
Mr. Cardenas is survived by his son Mark and Daughter Mary (James) and two grand daughters Lily and Emily with his great grandson Albert.
He was preceded in death by his wife Frances and son Albert
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