Larry G. Medina

In the early 1920’s Julian and Marie Medina moved to Dinuba seeking a better life after working in the deadly copper mines of Morenci, Arizona. They bought a plot of land, pitched a tent and built their home where Larry was born.

Larry attended school in Dinuba and then joined the Army and fought in WWII. He fought in the battle of the Bugle, earned a purple heart and five battle stars.

Upon his return he married the love of his life, Carmen and went to Barber school. He opened his first shop in Dinuba’s Chinatown in 1947, and then had his daughters Mary Ann, Martha and Patte. Charging three dollars a haircut he knew he could not afford to take his family camping or to Morro Bay for the weekend, so he subsidized his income by joining the Dinuba police force, being a Spanish translator for the courts system, and accompanying prisoners on transport flights. He was asked to move to Sacramento to be an aide for Governor Regan but he turned down the position because he wanted to stay in Dinuba, the town he loved. Larry is also credited with naming the park on Greene St. in Dinuba "Tortilla Flats."

Family was the most important thing to Larry and always came first. After 40 years as a barber, he retired and was well known throughout Dinuba. Larry was so proud of the fact that he was the first Hispanic Police officer and V.F.W. Commander in Dinuba.

After his retirement, he and Carmen spent many wonderful days relaxing at their cabins in Wilsonia and making memories with their grandchildren, Adriana, Casandra, Mario and Martin and his great grandchild Sebastian. His daughters had the honor of spoiling him the last seven months until his passing on Monday. Judging by all the condolences, well wishes and prayers from family and the local community he was truly loved and admired and a Dinuba icon.

His wisdom, sense of humor, wit and singing will be greatly missed by all.