Larry David Stephenson

BURLEY – Larry David Stephenson, the greatest husband, dad, grandpa (or BAMPA as the grandkids called him), brother and friend passed away June 13, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was 83 years young.

Larry was born in Burley, Idaho, on January 14, 1941, to Charles W. and Allie Mae Glover Stephenson, joining siblings Charles, Peggy and Dorothy. A few years later Ronnie and Barbara completed their family. Larry grew up in Milner on the farm his dad homesteaded, learning lifelong skills and hard work.

He attended school in Murtaugh and Burley, Idaho, through the ninth grade. In January of 1956, his father sold the farm and moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, where Larry continued school through 11th grade, when they realized he was dyslexic. You would have never known it though; he was one of the most intelligent, resourceful, and hard-working men. In 1960, his first daughter, Shannon, was born. In early 1961, he met the love of his life, Sue Tussey, and a short time later made her his bride on November 5, 1961. They spent over 62 years together building a beautiful family and life together. Larry and Sue were blessed with three more beautiful daughters, Lorry, Lana, and Lisa.

He started working at Ore-Ida Foods in 1962, as a foreman on graveyard, later promoting to a supervisor where many people worked under his leadership. On September 8, 1975, Sue and Larry built and opened A Side Door, a local furniture, woodworking, and antique store in south Burley. Later in 1981, they built Overland Mini Storages, still in operation today. Larry and Sue spent 29 years working side by side restoring beautiful pieces of furniture and successfully managing both businesses. Their business was a true small-town business, a place where grandkids ran around nearby, and friends stopped for coffee daily.

Larry struggled in his early years with alcoholism and, in 1985, gained his sobriety. He was active in the Alcoholics Anonymous program throughout his life continuing to go to meetings until the end. He relied upon the wonderful people in the program that supported him and helped him maintain his sobriety. Later he and Sue sponsored and supported many in recovery and developed lifelong friendships with others in the program.

Grandpa was a family man through and through, there was nothing he would not do for his wife, family, and friends. He was so proud of the family he built and had a strong relationship with all of them. He was a staple of the community and made friends wherever he went with his charm and quick sense of humor. He gave the best hugs, cracked the funniest jokes and sayings, had a nickname for everyone, loved a good burger and fries, a good cup of coffee, a cold Diet Pepsi and a sweet treat in the morning.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Sue; his daughters, Shannon (Jim) Gnesa, Lorry Nickel, and Lana (Chris) Reichert; grandchildren, Nicole “Snooks” (Dustin) Carson, Crystal Miller, Jillyen (Justin) Rathbun, Brandon (Maci) McAlister, Kambree (Brandon) Watson, Brodee (Teagan) McAlister, Braxton McAlister, Taytym (Winston) Sanchez, and Penelope Reichert; his great-grandchildren, Mason, Kenadee, Kynlee, Baylee, Ryden, Brogan, McKenna, Kase, Brynlee, Logan, Nyx, Reagan and many others; his sister, Barbara Shacklett; brother-in-law, Gary (Karen) Tussey; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best friend of 38 years, Skip Hilton (“Skippy Dippy Do”) who was by his side almost daily and together they shared many adventures with, their dear friends, Tom and Anita Jones; as well as Larry’s cat/dog, Poky.

He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Lisa; his parents; and siblings, Charles, Peggy, Dorothy, and Ronnie.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life on July 6, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., at the Carson residence, located at 961 S. 50 W, of Burley. A light lunch with be served. We ask that you bring your favorite memories to share with everyone.

In lieu of flowers and true to their life and years volunteering in children’s organizations, Sue would like donations made to the Court Appointed Special Advocate Guardians and Litem for children (CASA-GAL), Southwest Idaho (third district). PO Box 789 Caldwell, ID 83606; Phone: (208) 459-9969; www.casaofswidaho.org

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.