Larry Fred Brown February 25, 1944 - August 9, 2026

Larry Fred Brown, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, in Payson, Utah at home. Leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, hard work, resourcefulness, and love for his family.

Larry was born February 25, 1944, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, to John Gurney Brown and Mary Elizabeth Wooten. He was the oldest of three children, with two younger sisters, Ann and Mickey. Some of his happiest childhood memories were made exploring the woods of North Carolina. When Larry was 6 years old, his family moved to Alaska while his father served in the Army, later returning to North Carolina when his mother became ill.

While his mother was in the hospital, she met missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Larry joined the Church in 1956 in Roanoke Rapids, along with his mother, sisters, grandmother, and cousin. His mother felt strongly that there was a better life ahead for her family.

The family later moved to Florida, where Larry graduated from Hillsborough High School in Tampa. He ran track and excelled in the half mile, even competing at the state level.

Larry served in the California mission, where he had many learning and growing experiences while sharing the gospel. He attended BYU and married his sweetheart, Cheryl Violet Gold, in the Manti Temple in 1966. He continued his education at BYU, studying English.

Larry had a strong testimony and a deep desire to serve others. He loved reading the scriptures, church books, and literature and was a lifelong learner. He believed in being self-sufficient, resourceful, and prepared, and he was always ready to help someone in need.

Larry worked hard throughout his life to provide for his family. He was a general contractor and built several homes and cabins. He later worked for Broderick & Howell Construction, in Castle Dale and Richfield, and at Bedouin Boats, where he built his own boat. In 1984, he constructed the family home in Payson, Utah. He eventually became a production manager at Rayloc (Genuine Parts Co.) and later worked for Deseret Meat with the Church welfare system before retiring in 2007.

Larry and Cheryl also owned Utah County Concessions for many years, serving at special events from 1998 through 2024, including the Payson Scottish Festival, Utah County Fair, and Payson Onion Days. Larry loved to feed people. He especially enjoyed cooking for his family, friends, neighbors, and community. For many years, he cooked approximately 5,000 ears of corn each year for the Salmon Supper.

Larry’s greatest joy was his family. His children and grandchildren will remember countless happy memories with him—sledding in the winter, fishing in the spring, boating in the summer, and deer hunting in the fall. Some of Larry’s favorite things included the cabin, his puppies, trees, driftwood, wood carving, Snoopy, Peteetneet, experimenting with projects, cooking, buffet dinners, Mt. Dew, and sitting together on the porch swing.

Larry faithfully served in many Church callings, including as a Sunday School teacher, Young Men’s leader, Scout Master, Ward Clerk, Executive Secretary, High Councilor, and Bishop of the BYU 25th married student ward. He also served as a temple worker in the baptistry of the Payson Utah Temple. One of his favorite callings was serving in the nursery, where he served since 2016. He had a special love for little children and cherished the opportunity to serve them.

Larry is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and their six children: Laryn (Sarah) Brown, Renae (Wayne) Johnson, Caryl Ann Duvall, Ryon Brown, Garry (Andrea) Brown, and Karyn (Chet) Ludlow, 21 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; as well as, his sister Mickey Stokes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Marc Alan Brown; his sister, Ann Dickey; and his son-in-law, Mike Duvall.

Larry’s life was centered on his faith, his family, and his desire to serve others. His family will miss his willingness to help, his resourceful spirit, his stories and interests, and the many simple moments that made time with him special.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 650 West 800 South in Payson, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the stake center. There will also be visitation on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.

LARRY BROWN LIVE STREAM