Larry Eugene Twidwell

It is with great heartache that we share the passing of Larry Eugene Twidwell. In the presence of loved ones, he passed away peacefully on October 7th, 2023 in Medford, Oregon after a sudden and brave battle with cancer.

Larry was born to Esther (Litchfield) Carper in Enterprise, Oregon, on November 6, 1947. He was raised in Enterprise, graduating from Enterprise High School in 1965. After high school he attended Eastern Oregon University. Larry left college to volunteer for the Army in January 1969. He completed basic training in Fort Ord, California and was deployed to Vietnam in June 1969. In the infantry, Larry completed one tour in Vietnam, returning home in June of 1970.

During his enlistment, Larry reached the rank of Sergeant and received the following: Silver Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Soldier’s Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Expert: Rifle.

Following his military service, Larry married Kathy Rainey in 1973. They moved to their home in Horse Creek in 1977. He worked for the Forest Service and spent approximately 25 years logging for various outfits: Lucas Logging, M.A. Fisher Logging, and Pace Logging Inc.. He was later self-employed as a computer tech, and after discovering an interest in health care and assisting the elderly, completed his education to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Larry took great pride in his home, repairing, constructing, cultivating multiple garden plots, staying current with politics, spoiling the dogs, and watching football. His proudest project was the idea, planning, and execution of “The Bunker.” Over time, he cultivated an admirable precision for digging leveled spaces for planting and utilizing the property to its fullest potential.

Larry is preceded in death by his brother Gary Carper; mother Esther Carper; grandson Christopher Lopez. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Kathy (Rainey) Twidwell of Horse Creek; two daughters Jennifer (Twidwell) Underwood and Stacey (Byers) Willison; five grandchildren Brian Lopez, Kyliegh Kirkbride, Haley Willison, Kayla Underwood, and Brandon Underwood, and four great grandchildren.

We would like to express our gratitude to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon for their compassionate care of Larry/Dad/Grandpa during the remaining days of his life and providing the answers he and we so diligently sought during the previous fleeting months.

Excerpt:

The following award is announced.

Twidwell, Larry E. PRIVATE FIRST CLASS United States Army Company C 2d Battalion 18th Infantry

Awarded: Soldier’s Medal

Date of action: 21 July 1969

Theater: Republic of Vietnam

Reason: “....His courageous initiative and selfless concern for his fellow soldier directly contributed to saving the man’s life. Private First Class Twidwell’s heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army…”

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider giving a donation in Larry’s name to: American Cancer Society (cancer.org)..

A service with Military Funeral Honors will be held at Eagle Point National Cemetery located at 2763 Riley Rd., Eagle Point, OR 97524 on Monday October 23rd at 3:00 PM.