Larry Kimball - Walker Funeral Home

Larry Robert Kimball died on September 5, 2025. His eighty-five years were defined by unwavering service to others: his family, his church, his community. Larry embraced countless souls in his warm heart: the wife whose hand he would hold through sixty-six years of marriage, the nine children who learned patience at his knee, the hundreds of students who discovered mathematics through his gentle instruction, and the congregations he inspired through his humble example and leadership.

Larry was born on a winter morning, February 24, 1940, to LeNeve and Crozier Kimball. He grew up in Provo, Utah, where he met Mary Lou Kruse, his love and eternal companion. After earning his diploma from Brigham Young University, the couple settled in Payson, where Larry began shaping young minds as a mathematics teacher at Payson High. His voice could also be heard across basketball courts, football fields, and baseball diamonds as he coached with the same patience and dedication he brought to his classroom. Driven as always, he pursued a master’s degree at BYU. His leadership qualities eventually elevated him to principal of Payson High School and later to the position of vice superintendent for the Nebo School District. Even in retirement, Larry couldn’t stay away from teaching, returning to part-time work at BYU. Back at his alma mater, he guided nervous education students as they navigated the challenging waters of substitute teaching.

Larry dedicated his life to his faith through years of service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a home teacher, bishop, and counselor to the stake president. Alongside his loved Mary Lou, he served as a missionary in various locations around the world, including Zimbabwe, Toronto, Samoa, Montana, South Dakota, and Mongolia. In his last years, he worked sealing couples in the Payson Temple.

When asked what he would consider being his motto, Larry responded, “To try and be better each day.” He gave further insight by adding, “There are many that are in need, and they need to know that we care and want to help.” Larry was always there and ready to lend a hand. His prayer was that those who survive him continue his legacy of dedication, love, and acceptance of others.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three siblings, and one grandchild. Eleven siblings and his nine children survive him, Kevin Larry Kimball (Jill); Kirk Robert Kimball; Kenneth Kruse Kimball (Miguel); Kristen Kimball Hall (Dorne); Kamele Kimball (Seth); Karyn Kimball Williams (Chris); Kyle Rodney Kimball (Rachelle); Kip Lamar Kimball (Alisha); Kasey Alan Kimball (Kathryn); twenty-nine beloved grandchildren and thirty-four great grandchildren.

There will be a viewing on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 8:45 to 9:45 AM, at the Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 780 West 500 South, Payson, Utah. Funeral services will immediately follow from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the same location.

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9 Condolences for Larry Kimball

Condolences(9)

Jasperson family says

September 6, 2025 at 10:55 pm

From my algebra teacher to our neighbor and watching our kids grow up together, the Kimball family has been so wonderful to know and love. Our hearts are with your family as you lay Mr. Kimball to rest. God bless you all.

Joy, Jenny, Brad

Bonnie LaRie Ballard says

September 8, 2025 at 3:25 am

I am so sorry to hear of Mr Kimballs passing. He was always so kind to me. God bless you and yours.

Ron Cooper says

September 8, 2025 at 7:07 pm

Kasey and family, Linda and I are so sorry to hear that your father passed away. He was a great man and good example to all. I enjoyed catching up on your family during our occasional visits at the Payson Temple.

Lisa Ecton (Harmon cousin) says

September 9, 2025 at 12:02 am

We always enjoyed visiting at your home whenever we got the chance. Always felt loved and included. Wishing you all love and comfort. Until we meet again❣️

Connie says

September 9, 2025 at 3:48 am

Our deepest sympathies and prayers are being sent your way. May the wonderful memories of your dad give you peace and comfort. The Ron and Connie Carrasco family

Scott Neilson says

September 9, 2025 at 4:59 pm

Larry Kimball is a great man. He had a profound impact on me as my Little League baseball coach. He’s also a big reason I chose to be an educator myself. I love you, coach.

Brent Crane says

September 9, 2025 at 8:45 pm

The news of “Coach” Kimble hit me hard. I remember when he first arrived Coach Durant assigned him to be the scout for the football team. He scouted the other teams and wrote up reports that blew Coach Durrant’s mind. He also was assistant football coach and was phenomenal. I was a junior so along with him being my coach I took his classes. He was a wonderful teacher. He had a great sense of humor and fun to be around. The world is less bright with his passing.

Robert, Bob, Menlove says

September 10, 2025 at 7:18 pm

I watched the service from home and was impressed by the honor and respect shone to your father and my friend, companion, and co-coach and cement worker. I will be forever indebted for his friendship and assistance.

Kenton Phillips says

September 10, 2025 at 10:16 pm

I was unable to attend both services of you parents, but was impressed as I watched both of them online and the respect and love expressed by each of you. Though you all have separate experiences, memories and thoughts, you all shared meaningful lasting impressions.
I have not seen many of you in years and missed being able to attend and share our love with you all! Your parents are indeed proud of each of you.
Kenton & Cheryl Phillips

Larry Kimball February 24, 1940 - September 5, 2025

Services will be live-streamed. To view, please return to this memorial page shortly before 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, September 9, 2025, and click on the link below.

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9 Condolences for Larry Kimball