OBITUARY
Lawrence Edward Alton
January 1, 1960 – April 11, 2020
Lawrence Edward Alton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at the age of 60. He is survived by his children Jessica and John, and sisters Letia and Laura.
Larry was the first baby born in the state of Kansas, on New Year’s Day 1960 of the late Jay and Carmena Alton. He always liked to joke about ‘the whole world shooting off fireworks for his birthday’ every year. And while that may not be necessarily true, he touched the lives of a great number of people and animals alike, and that is certainly worth celebrating. He had a wonderful childhood full of memories including camping every year with his family. One moment stood out as being particularly special, riding his bike up and down Dinosaur Mountain in Rapid City, South Dakota…this is where his love for cycling began. The hobby evolved and became one of his favorite pastimes, later pedaling up the mountains in Colorado on a 500 mile trek with his dearest friends, as well as participating in a number of charitable races.
A talented engineer, a lover of spicy hot sauce, ice cold IPA and great music, Larry was a gifted guitar player and enjoyed teaching others. He passed this musical talent along to his son John, who will continue to play in his honor and share this passion with Larry’s grandson Saul Edward.
The quality that Larry was most recently known for, was his infinite capacity for compassion and empathy towards animals. He had a soft spot for disabled, blind or ill dogs, especially the ones that no one else would take a chance on. He would take the challenge head on and provide them with the opportunity to thrive. He did this time and time again until the number soared over 200+ animals saved, rescued, rehabbed and in their forever homes. There’s no doubt that there will be a lot of wagging tails to greet him on the other side.
Larry always said, "The day you quit laughing it’s over" and that rang true throughout his year and a half long battle with pancreatic cancer. To be strong, collected, infinitely positive and still crack jokes throughout the biggest struggle of one’s life is a special gift. Cancer never defined him, he wouldn’t let it, and he spoke of just how grateful he was for all the time he had.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Larry’s favorite rescue organizations in his honor.
Texas Sled Dog Rescue: https://www.texassleddogrescue.org/
Second Chance Farm http://www.secondchancefarmgranbury.org/
Tiny Paws https://tinypawsrescue.com/
Texas Animal Society https://www.texasanimalsociety.org/
Services
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Welcome Reception
Sunday, April 11, 2021
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Memorial Service
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Memories
Lawrence Edward Alton
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYValerie Hartzell
July 2, 2020
It was such an honour to teach Larry through my private studio back when I taught in Magnolia and then in the Woodlands. He was a participant at the "Classical Minds" Guitar Festival and Competition for several years which was held at Moores School of Music, University of Houston. I included a picture of him fearlessly performing with his festival duo partner at the 2006 Classical Minds.
He had such a grand personality, was kind, humble, and hilarious. I also considered him a friend and he was a hero to me with his charity work with dogs. I'm a passionate animal lover, have rescued my 3 dogs and have done concerts to help raise money for dog charities. So, I followed him on Facebook when I moved to Alaska and then to England, always in awe of his tireless work with dogs. He will be missed and I am deeply sorry for his family's loss.
Alexis King
May 20, 2020
Larry - cannot believe you are gone from this earth! What an impact you left on so many humans and animals! You were truly an inspiration to all and the world is a better place for all you accomplished! When I remember or think of you it always brings a smile to me which turns into a laugh! I remember first meeting you - 1993 - Ray Freer introduced you - we were part of the first "Options Group" at Compaq! So many happy memories of working together for so many years - the group outings; the lunch trips to Casa Linda; and the so many pranks played on each other! I will never forget the kindness and BIG heart you showed to so many! I was privileged to have known such a beautiful human! Til we meet again friend - hugs!
Stephanie Hartley
May 13, 2020
El Larrio. Just saying this nick name for Larry makes me laugh. Because Larry loved to make everyone laugh. I met Larry at Compaq where I also learned about how much he loved being the practical joker. And could enlist an ally, or two, with his infectious penchant for fun, saying “Come on, let’s do it”. Nothing was out of bounds, he created so many fun memories of that time working with him. He wasn’t just all fun and games though. He was an extremely smart and talented hardware engineer, and he was happy to share that knowledge. He was also the best athlete I’ve ever met in my life! Where I really got to know Larry was on long bike rides preparing for a 450mi ride in Colorado. This training was in Houston, flatlands, lots of oxygen. So what does Larry do once in Colorado? He tells us he’s going to beat the guy who was always wearing a King of the Mountains Polka Dot jersey up McClure Pass. This guy was from Colorado and was definitely a strong rider. And yeah, Larry did beat him up to the top. Larry was a really great guy, a good guy, with a kind and gentle spirit. He loved being a foster dad, he was their biggest advocate - the more difficult the case the more he gave. It was inspiring to see. Larry will be missed in so many ways, I’m honored to have been called a friend of his.

Shelley Schroen
May 9, 2020
There are so many wonderful memories with Larry that they have all become favorites. I knew the day I met Larry on my first day at Compaq that we would be friends. His sense of humor is like no other. His love for practical jokes was his signature and he really got me on a few of them! There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to lend a helping hand not only to his friends but to anyone in need. He was compassionate in his work, in his music, in exercising, in his friendships and most of all his love for animals. He was truly a best friend with the biggest and kindest heart. Larry will be missed greatly but never forgotten by me and my family.
Mike Marshall
May 7, 2020
I was fortunate to work with Larry through most of the 90s at Compaq. What great memories! Yes, Larry loved practical jokes. He and Ray Freer were a dangerous pair. The stink bottle they would unleash in the elevator was awful. They would lay in wait to watch peoples reactions - some wouldn’t get on while others would rush out thinking someone has a major intestinal problem. And then there was our weekly trips to Casa Linda where Larry held the record for most burritos (I think 7 and each one was huge). I can taste one even now. The most insane eating competition was the hot peppers. Larry popped in 19 whole habaneros before his competitor ran for the bathroom and puked his guts out. One time while working on the next big networking technology, 100 base-TX, Larry put together a sting operation at work that lasted almost a month to find the man they called "The Master Blaster". Larry was always amazing. His attitude was infectious. I remember when he was teaching himself classical guitar playing 4 different rhythms at the same time - it was mind blowing to watch. He would wake up at 3am to get in 2 hours of guitar practice, then go for a 2 hour bike ride and still get to work before me. Larry even let me tag along on a few of his weekend bike rides. I can still remember those rides and his kind, patient attitude. At work, he never minded the long hard projects. He would just put his head down and go until it was finished... and he always finished with his big smile. Working with Larry is something that will always bring back fond memories. We’ll miss you Larry.
Ron Noblett
May 5, 2020
I met Larry in the late 80s at Compaq. It didn’t take me long to run into Larry’s crazy sense of humor. Our friendship began. I’m sure everyone that knew Larry was aware of all of his natural talents, including practical jokes! Here's one from long ago.
Around ‘90/’91, I was managing a project to develop new audio capability (more than just the “beep” noise) into the next series of PC’s from Compaq. I was told to select 2 engineers to develop the feature. I knew I had to have Larry on the Project. He could do anything. We spent the next few months developing with several companies including Microsoft on the new “sound” capability.
After some time we finally got our proto hardware. I thought, THIS is our chance to really show everyone the great work we had done. I pushed Larry and the team hard (too hard) and asked them to work lots of nights and weekends to make schedule. It was stressful but they got it done. Finally, I asked Larry to package up several of the protos to distribute to all the internal PC development teams for their integration work. You see, I had built up high expectations about the great audio solution the team had created and now was the time to prove it. Success would be Ours!
So, Larry gave me the proto kits and I passed them out to the teams. Within minutes I was receiving a flood of calls about the “not so good” audio product. I ran down to the first lab I could find and I asked them to show me what was wrong. They turned it on, it booted, and then the Loudest BELCH came out of the PC. And, every keystroke they hit just repeated the BELCH. And it was LOUD.
Ok, so I couldn’t be mad, that was a really good one. And Larry had just created the first “virus” on the PC by embedding a sampled BELCH in the new audio board. I ran back to our lab and there was Larry acting like nothing was wrong but handed me a disk labeled “Belch fix" to distribute to the teams.
I’ll always miss you Larry.
You made life fun!
Fly high Buddy.
Diana Lafferty
May 5, 2020
Larry was a true, dear and long-time friend. We met while working at Compaq and both living in The Woodlands. We shared a love of music, laughter and cooking up shenanigans (mostly Larry’s ideas!) while at work and throughout many variations of Compaq. So much fun, fun, fun going out in those days – seeing live music, playing pool or darts with great friends, great food and of course margaritas! Larry was an amazing guitarist, and even taught my son how to play. I would send him beautiful pieces of guitar music over the years that I heard, and he introduced me to Robin Trower! Everyone always loved to hear Larry play. He helped my daughter with her first rescue dog –- she quickly added three more and always said she was channeling Larry! He was a kind, generous and gentle soul – a true friend of almost thirty years. It feels surreal that we’ll have to go through the rest of our lives without him but I know his journey continues, his spirit lives on, and like I told him when I saw him last -- we’re all just walking each other Home. He’ll always, always be in my heart, and so until with meet again Lar, I love you and cheers!
Veronica Ortega
May 3, 2020
I’m lucky I met Larry and spend time with him playing pool or darts. He was super charismatic and funny. I love him and I’ll make sure his beautiful grandson Saul loves him, even if he’s not around. Rest In Peace and see you later 🙏
Donna Supernaw
May 1, 2020
Larry was a true hero to those of us who shared his infinite love and compassion for dogs and their well being.
A life well lived; a man admired by so many and a void never filled by all who love him.
Condolences to his family - may sweet and lasting memories soon replace your grief.
Tara Batista
April 30, 2020
You are an inspiration and I always admired you for your compassion and dedication to animals. I always enjoyed our talks and pruning the huskies when they were blowing their coats. You were just a great human being all around and it was a blessing to have you as a friend. I rest assured that you are in a better place now and spending forever with all the animals you helped over the years that have passed. You will be greatly missed here!
Kim Nickles
April 30, 2020
I’m not even sure when I first met Larry but seems like I’ve known him my whole Rescue “career”!! He fostered over 20 huskies for TSDR mostly ones with medical issues or physical (dis)abilities. He was one of those fosters who required only the best adopters for his dogs and joked many times it was an interrogation that few survived!! We also went many rounds trying to decide on names for his fosters which was always musician based and of course he’d be shocked I didn’t know any he named!! I miss meeting for a beer or a husky play date! He was one of the best guys and still don’t understand why but God needed him more than us for some reason! We will continue to honor his legacy in the rescue world! Run free at the rainbow bridge and north of it with all those you’ve helped along the way!!
Gail Spann
April 29, 2020
Ahhh how can this be? How can the world be the same without Larry in it?
My memories of Larry are many from the 1990s when I was the president of the Woodland’s cycling club. I remember biking in a group up Honea-Egypt road and struggling up a small hill when, to my left, was Larry urging me on. “Come on Gail! You can do this!!!” And when I looked over he had that big old grin I will always remember. And you know, it made me do it. I hung with the pack. Thanks Larry, you are my inspiration...always.
Bill Rutledge
April 29, 2020
Larry,
What more can be said bro? I can’t arrange a worldwide fireworks show for you. I can’t even fire a Roman Candle without scaring the animals . But I’m quite certain in the things that I do know about the afterlife, is that what you see now ; could not be bested by any fireworks.
Save a place at the table for us , at the wedding feast .
Love ya , man .
Rhonda Budge
April 29, 2020
I first met Larry over the phone during an interview as a potential adopter of two of his foster dogs. I soon learned that my standard of dog parenting and Larry’s standard were very similar. However, as he always did, he played those cards close to the vest until we made it through our home visit.
After that we developed a friendship that I will forever treasure. Larry was larger than life. He was a lover of dogs, great music, good beer and a good laugh. I truly enjoyed being able to share those times with him. His standards for the love and care of animals inspired me to be a better dog parent. And one of the biggest honors was when he asked if we would become Piper’s God-parents.
I will miss Larry’s sarcasm and humor and the ability to send a message that says “hey check out the new Samantha Fish...”
My heart is with Jessica, John, Letia, Laura and the rest of his family and friends who loved him like we did. Larry, I will catch you at the ultimate “happy hour”. Until then you’ll always be in our hearts and in the private toasts over a beer.
minda Harris
April 29, 2020
I believe Larry is in God's world now, in charge of the Rainbow Bridge. I feel so blessed to have known him and I cherish the memories of the dogs he saved , the ones he lost and most importantly, all the friends he made and respect he garnered. Just a great guy. A very human kind of guy. We could annoy each other yet, get over it.
Live among the Angel's, Larry. Give 'em what's what and know you will be missed.
Laura alton
April 29, 2020
Laura Alton
April 29, 2020
Joseph Noack
April 29, 2020
Larry and I shared a love of cycling, quality beverages, darts, husky rescues, hot sauces and growing the plants that produced the peppers to make it. But most of all, we shared a friendship. Guy stuff. Larry introduced me to the world of Zwift ( virtual reality cycling) about five years ago and I thanked him often for this gift of knowledge! Every time I am on now, which is 4-5 times per week, I can't help but look for him in the rider list so I can thank him again. Only Zwifters will get this, but I know you are a blue beta rider with me buddy! I miss you my friend.
Mary Glovanovitch
April 29, 2020
Jessica, John, Laura and Letia...It was a privilege to call your dad and brother “friend”. Larry had such an enormous impact on the lives of so many people and animals, there’s simply no way to measure it. His life was certainly lived with purpose and he scripted it as only he could with his many unique talents. His beautiful soul, wonderful sense of humor and courage will continue to inspire and live forever in our heart and memories.
Nicole Tipton
April 29, 2020
Jess and John I love you both so much. You are my second family and always will be. Knowing Your dad for 30 years was truly amazing. Your dad was such a joyful person to be around and I’m so blessed I was able to give him one last hug. 🙏💜
Veronica Hernandez-Mena
April 20, 2020
Jessica and John you are in our hearts and mind. My condolences on the passing of your father. Your parents were our first friends when we moved to The Woodlands always gracious and kind. Our daughter Daniela loved having breakfast with your family because Mr. Larry made the best pancakes. Our son Lucas asked Mr. Larry to help him choose his first guitar which is still the guitar he plays with now. Your father will be deeply missed.