Larry Dale Sprouse

Born July 15, 1940, in Logan, Utah, to LaVon and Norma Sprouse, Larry grew up on a farm in Garden City, Utah. His father’s example taught him how to enjoy work while his mother’s example taught him how to pray and love the gospel. In 1960, he began missionary service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States Mission. Upon returning, he continued studies at Utah State University while serving in the Utah National Guard. He later earned an MBA from the University of Oregon and obtained his CPA license.

Upon his return from the Western States Mission, he met his wife Joyce Cheryl Olsen, and they married in the Logan Utah Temple on December 29, 1964. For the next 58 years he cherished and celebrated Joyce and lovingly participated in raising their 6 children. He was a beloved husband and father.

For nearly 40 years of his professional life Larry worked at Frost National Bank managing difficult commercial loans. Three days after retiring at age 70 he and Joyce left on their first mission assignment to London, England.

Despite career success, Larry was more enthralled by his opportunities to serve and to teach others of the restored gospel. He humbly served as a primary and gospel doctrine teacher, bishop, stake president, stake patriarch, temple president, and temple sealer. He diligently ministered to the individuals and families he was assigned to in his local congregation. Together, Larry and Joyce filled the last decade in church service with missions to London, England; Birmingham, England; and San Antonio, Texas.

When not serving, Larry loved to learn. His bookshelves included the scriptures, church history and commentary, biographies, old westerns, and books on nature and math. As thoughts and inspiration melded, he jotted notes on index cards, notebooks, journals, sticky notes, church programs, scriptures, or any other piece of paper. He enjoyed sharing both his ponderings and his books.

Larry was a gentle and thoughtful soul with an abiding testimony of Jesus Christ. We take comfort in knowing he is now surrounded by loved ones awaiting his next missionary assignment.

Larry was always generous with his love, time, thoughts, talents, and assets. Thus, in lieu of flowers (which made him sneeze), please consider doing one of Larry’s favorite activities, including:

Attending a temple session. Making a donation to your favorite charity. Surprising someone you love with a gift. Reading books. Planting a tree. Performing an act of service. Creating something beautiful. Calling your children. Submitting your mission papers. Visiting your ministering families. Preparing a doctrinally-based talk. Or hanging shelves in your garage. Afterwards, please put a note in the mail to Joyce explaining what Larry meant to you and how you honored his memory.

Larry is survived by his wife and his children: Jason (Jennifer) Sprouse, Roxann (Greg) Neuberger, Noel (Brad) Cottrell, Alison (Mitchell) Pulley, Lindsay Sprouse, and Megan (Adam) Hansen; 16 grandchildren; and 2 sisters: Janet Budge and Linda (Gary) Schmidt.

The family will receive friends for visitation at Porter Loring Mortuary, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, on Friday, March 25, 2022, from 7 to 9 p.m. On Saturday, March 26, 2022, visitation will take place from 9 to 9:40 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 10 a.m. at the Redland Building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 17151 Jones Maltsberger, San Antonio. Larry will return to his hometown of Garden City, Utah, for a private burial where he will enjoy a beautiful view on Resurrection morning.