Larry Keith Honn

Larry Keith Honn, lifelong Benge, Wash., farmer and rancher, passed on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at the age of 81 in Whitman Hospital of Colfax, Wash., after a long battle at home.

Larry Honn was born December 20, 1938, in Ritzville, Wash., to Lloyd Keith and Emma Kent Honn. Growing up on the family ranch near Benge, Larry learned the trade early. He attended Benge School, teaching a Photography class while still graduating from Washtucna High School, in 1956. Larry entered the Army in 1957 stationed in Fort Sheridan Illionois, shipping out from Fort Ord to Germany and Turkey earning Atom Weapons Elec Assr., Elec Repairman, Sharpshooter (Rifle, Carbine, Pistol) commendations along with MP and a Good Conduct Medal with Honorable Discharge in 1963.

During his service, Larry's sister suggested a young lady, Charlotte Evans, write letters. He returned to the ranch in Benge for a July 4th dance, finally meeting Charlotte (love at first sight) and marrying on September 10th, 1960. They founded "Rock Creek Angus Farms" becoming life members of The National Angus Association.

Larry, in his "always do something, can do!" attitude quickly became President of Washington State Jaycees. He began building furniture to fill the farm house, hand tooled and designed pack saddles, packs, belts and other types of leather goods selling throughout the region. Larry began sharing his skills and ranch knowledge by leading the Benge 4-H Club to fairs and parades. Larry had a "pet pig" following him all over the ranch and one day a "bummer lamb" appeared behind the pig, beginning the sheep and wool production. Larry Honn served as President of the Washington State Wool Growers Association 1977-1979, raising over 2300 head of sheep, making the family one of the largest wool producers. Taking it one step further, they built the first wool flower covered float for the Spokane Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, with Charlotte designing wool seat belt covers, wool seat covers and wool suits. The animals lead the push to form Larry Honn & Son LLC trucking company which the family ran for several years across six states with Larry's CB handle "Sheepherder".

Larry said he was happiest fishing, camping and boating the lakes, rivers and ocean, including the rapids of Hells Canyon during several storms. They enjoyed San Juan Islands, Alaska, a couple of cruises, winters in the RV in retirement and the family trip to Wisconsin on motorcycles, camping along the way. Charlotte was Postmaster for 16 years and both retired in LaCrosse, Wash.

Larry Honn is survived by his wife of 60 years Charlotte; daughter, Crystal Honn (with Frank Conte) of Carmel, Calif .; son, Larry Honn Jr. (with Rhani Taylor) of LaCrosse; grandchildren, Andrew, Austin, and Colt Honn (Robyn); great-grandchildren Brooklyn and Cameron (Rowan); his brother, Bruce; and sister, Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents, along with brothers Terry and Dennis.

The funeral service will be held Monday, August 24th, 2 p.m., in the Washtucna Pioneer Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors. The family request all Truckers for final CB call in memory of the Sheepherder – "put your pedal to the metal, let your horns roar at 2 p.m. on August 24th !"

The family suggests Memorial Contributions in Larry's memory honoring Whitman Hospital Foundation; 1200 W. Fairview, Colfax, WA 99111 or LaCrosse Scholarship Foundation; LaCrosse School District #126; 111 Hill Avenue; LaCrosse, WA 99143

On-line guest book is at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax, Wash., is caring for the family.