Lawrence (Larry) Breer passed away peacefully on May 11, 2024, cradled in the arms of his wife, Carmen. He was 88 years old, born in 1936, the oldest of four children (Larry, Meralyn, Deloris, and George) born to George Breer and Lila Armbruster Breer in Salina, Kansas. Larry’s “growing-up” days in Kansas provided him lifelong happy memories of dearly loved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Larry attended high school in the small town of Gypsum, Kansas, graduating in 1954 along with twelve classmates.
After serving two years in the Army Reserve, Larry joined the U.S. Air Force and served for twenty years. He served in various positions throughout his career, such as aircraft and missile maintenance and electronic counter-measures. He taught nuclear safety classes, enjoying the classroom experience. He retired from the Air Force in 1976, justly proud of his military career.
In 1959 he married Ardith Grimmett in Topeka, Kansas and they welcomed four beautiful children, Melinda, Cassandra, Laura, and Michael, becoming an Air Force family serving and living at various Air Force bases. The marriage sadly ended in 1975, but Larry’s love for his children endured for the rest of his life.
In 1976 Larry moved to Yakima, Washington and the following year married Carmen Fenn Barton. Together they attended Yakima Valley College, then Central Washington University, graduating in 1980, Larry earning a BA degree in Journalism.
That same year brought Larry immense joy when his young son, Michael, came to stay. And daughter, Cassandra, soon followed. Larry also welcomed Carmen’s adult sons, Michael and Dan Barton, into his life and loved them as family.
Larry came to love Yakima as his home for the remaining 47 years of his life. He had many friends and was a respected and active member of the community. He was a greatly loved member of his wife’s extended Yakima family.
Larry worked as a journalist for many years, as an editor/writer for Yakima area publications and as a freelance journalist for various regional and national publications. He was a dedicated journalist and loved the work. He also had an intense interest in local and national government, always watchful and fiercely supportive of the rights and dignity of everyone, especially the less powerful.
Larry had a wonderful sense of humor; he loved telling jokes and stories, making people laugh. He played guitar and sang the old songs, happiest when others sang along. Larry had a truly kind and loving heart. He leaves a big empty space in our lives and in this world, but so many happy memories in our hearts.
Larry’s ashes will be buried alongside his Breer family ancestors in the Brookville, Kansas cemetery. No Yakima memorial is planned, but fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Breer family.
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