Larry Monroe Helton

There were only two things Larry Monroe Helton requested when he passed: one, a graveside honor guard; and the second, an incredibly long obituary.

So, buckle up, we are going on an adventure.

Larry Monroe Helton was born February 10, 1947, to Mary Hlebichuk and Lloyd Helton in Palo Alto, California. From old timey pictures, it appeared Larry grew from a robust chubby baby into a Wally Cleaver, from Leave it to Beaver, look-alike teenager. A handsome, yet very classic 1960’s all-American boy, Larry participated in many of his high school sports, such as track and playing on the football and baseball team, being one of the few left-handed players —a trait he was quite proud of.

It was shortly after Larry graduated from Freemont High School that the Vietnam War became a solemn reality. Instead of being drafted, and encouraged by his father to do so, Larry enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 20, where he became a Jet Engine Mechanic. In 1968 he served his first Vietnam tour in Cam Ranh Bay and then served his second tour in Phu Quoc. Though he never did share much of his experience about his time in Vietnam with his family, Larry was a proud veteran. He displayed his Airforce Veteran flag off the corner of his porch and wore his Vietnam Veteran hat with pride everywhere he went to make sure he got his military discount. In 2019, Larry had the opportunity to be a part of the Vietnam Veteran Honor Flight to Washington D.C., where he not only got to travel with his oldest grandson as his guardian, but also one of his best buddies Chet Fortuna, as well as many other Veterans. Larry loved every single moment of it.

In 1971, Larry joined and served in the Air Force Reserves and ultimately retired in 1997 with 30 years of military service. During that time, he traveled to such countries as Japan, Germany, and Guatemala. There is actually a plane, the F-84-G at the Hill Air Force Base Museum that Larry and his team had the pleasure of restoring during his time as a reservist.

He also worked as a civilian at Hill Air Force Base as an Aircraft Mechanic and a F-16 Planner for 37 years until he retired in 2005.

On April 4, 1971, Larry married his love, Trudy B Anderson in Elko, Nevada. Together, they had three pretty amazing children – Angela Monroe, Kevin Helton, and Robyn Atwood (Josh). As much as Larry loved his incredible children, they quickly became sub-par and second tier as his grandchildren started to make their arrival in the world. From oldest to youngest –Caden Cornford, Dakota Helton, Calder Cornford, Daxton Helton, Callie Cornford, Dasha Helton, Brinlie Atwood, and Makayla Atwood. Of all the titles Larry held, Grandpa and Papa were his most treasured. Larry would do most anything for his kids – most anything. But when it came to his grandkids, he would do ALL things. He came to ballgames, dance recitals, cheer competitions, or life events. He supported and loved them unconditionally. Some would have thought he simply had kids to get to the good part – the grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Larry at all, knew he was a die-hard fan of the San Francisco 49ers. Being from the Bay Area of California, Larry loved his 49er’s and supported them even in their rough seasons. He owned a slew of 49er jerseys and decorated his home (where his wife Trudy allowed) in all things 49er fandom. But not only did Larry love his 49er’s, he was also a true fan of The New York Yankees (not to be confused with the New York Giants, heaven forbid). He loved The Utah Jazz and was a season seat holder at The Ogden Raptors where he loved to blow his plastic horn and get rowdy to the dismay of those around him. Larry loved to play golf and could be seen driving around in a golf cart, taking in a quick nine holes or taking in an extremely long 18 holes. Once, he got a hole in one, and has forever displayed that plaque for all to see.

Unfortunately, after a month-long battle against a stroke, Larry passed away on July 24, 2023. He was surrounded by family, listening to some of his favorite tunes by the Beach Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and The Highway Men. Those who were waiting for Larry on the other side include his mother and father, Mary Hlebichuk and Lloyd Helton, his mother and father-in-law, Dorothy Hill and Lewis Anderson, his best friend, Chet Fortuna, and the Helton family dog, Sam.

He will be missed terribly by his dear wife, Trudy, his children and grandchildren mentioned above, and his sweet sister Beverly Johnson, as well as other family members and good friends.

An open house will be held at Lindquist Mortuary, 3333 W 5600 S Roy, Utah on Monday July 31, 2023 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm and on Tuesday August 1, 2023 from 9:30am – 10:30am. A life celebration will be held at 11:00am with graveside services following.

To celebrate Larry, please wear your favorite team jersey or sports memorabilia. He would get an absolute kick out of it.

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