Laurence Eugene Walker Sr.

Laurence “Larry” Walker, Sr. left his footprints in the sand as he joined his parents (James and Lucy) and sister (Heidi) on September 14, 2025.

Larry was born in Ft. Riley, KS in the same hospital and exactly 9-months before his future wife, Leslie Soles and soon moved to Alaska before his father eventually retired at Ft. Ord. Larry attended schools in Marina and Seaside earning “Most Athletic” at each level. After graduating from Seaside High (c/o ‘80) he went on to Monterey Peninsula College where he continued as a student- athlete.

Larry married his high school sweetheart, Leslie; and later started their family with their daughter, Laurencia and son Laurence, Jr. (LJ). With the support and encouragement from Leslie, Larry went on to graduate from San Jose State with his BA and MA that enabled him to embark on a nearly 40-year career at Monterey Peninsula College. At MPC, Larry served as a part-time classified professional in EOPS, a counseling faculty/coordinator for TRiO UB/MSUB, EOPS Director, Associate Dean, Dean, and retired as Vice President of Student Services. Whenever asked, Larry stepped up to serve MPC including being asked twice to be acting President and in some instances being a Director, Dean, VP, and acting President all at the same time—as only a true Lobo could.

Larry’s presence and influence extended throughout the MPC community in his roles as a volunteer coach for youth teams in soccer, baseball, and basketball in Marina and Seaside (even one time at Carmel Middle, because his former coach asked). He also helped coach boys’ basketball for 18 years at his alma mater Seaside High.

While he served as a coach, mentor, and leader to many, he was the best teammate for Team Walker!

He’s survived by his brothers James, Jr., Robert, Michael, and sister Sandy as well as nieces, nephews, and many loving family members and friends. Larry’s legacy will live on through his grandchildren Trae (Laurence III) and Vandi Rae. Larry’s light will continue to shine through his children Laurencia and LJ. He is extremely proud of the personal and professional accomplishments of both Cia and LJ, and they were honored to pursue careers in education with the same passion as their father. Last and never least, his love will continue to radiate through his wife and everlasting love, Les. From dressing alike in high school, to creating the amazingly rich life of love for their family, his smile and kindness will easily be shared through Les’ strength and shared smiles.

Larry always had a handshake, wave, thumbs up, peace sign, or a hug, for everyone he came across, a beautiful man with a beautiful heart, and a big, beautiful smile! We love you Big Lar, Always and Forever!

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 10, 2025 at 11am at Greater Victory Temple,1620 Broadway in Seaside, Ca.

In lieu of flowers, the Walker family asks you to honor Larry’s legacy and commitment to supporting student success by contributing to the Larry and Leslie Walker Family Scholarship at MPC: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/727980/donate