Lawrence Kenyon Egbert July 31, 1939 - June 22, 2023

Lawrence Kenyon Egbert passed away at his home in Woodland Hills, Utah on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at the age of 83.

Larry was born on July 31, 1939 in Twin Falls, Idaho to William Edwin Egbert and Naomi Gillett Stewart and was the fourth of six children. He grew up in Murtaugh, Idaho and learned to work hard in his father’s lumberyard and on his uncle’s farm. He was the student body president of Murtaugh High School and captained multiple sports teams.

Larry served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1960 to 1962 in the Central British Mission. He had many wonderful experiences as a missionary and served as the mission secretary. These formative teaching and service opportunities shaped his ability to build consensus and overcome conflict in personal and professional settings. His genuine care for others cultivated respect and trust.

Larry met Gail Yvonne Blaylock in a stake youth choir in Twin Falls during their senior year of high school. Yvonne was the accompanist and was elected to be the choir president. Larry was elected to be the vice president. They enjoyed a wonderful courtship for several years. After both Larry and Yvonne served missions and graduated from Brigham Young University, they were married on May 17, 1963 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They settled in Orem, Utah, where they raised eight children.

Unexpectedly, Yvonne passed away in April of 1994 from lupus. Larry was devastated. The loss weighed heavily on him as he cared for the four children that were still at home. He was blessed to become better acquainted and fall in love with Glenda Kay Johnson Wright. They were married in the Provo Temple on January 7, 1995. Larry loved Glenda’s five children as his own. While initially challenging, joining two families led to Larry’s personal growth and an enduring, blended family who love each other. Glenda truly has been a gift to Larry and his children. Larry and Glenda moved from Orem to Woodland Hills, Utah in 2003.

Larry worked in the purchasing departments of Brigham Young University and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a total of 34 years. His roles at BYU ranged from buyer to Director of Purchasing. He was responsible for furnishing many of the buildings on campus. He also served as the Director of Purchasing for the Church from 1984 to 1987. He retired from BYU in 2002. In honor of his service at BYU, the Lawrence K. Egbert Teaching and Learning Fellowship is awarded to recognize faculty who have made a significant impact in the area of mentored learning.

Larry’s creative interests sustained him to the end. He loved to work outdoors in his garden and yard, skills he learned as a boy. He felt joy and a sense of accomplishment from maintaining his yard and eating the fresh produce. He, his family, and lucky neighbors enjoyed his fresh peaches, cantaloupe, corn, peas, and potatoes straight from the garden. In addition to garden produce, Larry loved ice cream and carrot cake. After moving to Woodland Hills, he nurtured his love for music by renewing and improving his talent playing the piano, including extensive study with his daughter Liz. He loved playing hymn arrangements and accompanying the children in primary. He also loved assembling puzzles. There was always a puzzle in progress on the table in his living room overlooking Utah Valley.

Larry had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and considered service to be the secret to happiness. He served as a Bishop in the Orem Sharon Stake and as a counselor in a BYU Stake Presidency, as well as in many other leadership callings. He and Glenda served as missionaries at Heber Valley Camp and at the Conference Center on Temple Square. He served in both the Provo and Payson Temples. He constantly served his family, neighbors, and friends, and opened his home multiple times over extended periods to family in need of support. He headed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for the city of Woodland Hills. Larry loved doing family history work and served in the Family History Center in Salem, Utah. He strived to represent the Lord Jesus Christ in all facets of his life.

He is survived by his wife Glenda; his siblings: Ilene Gilmore, Edwin Egbert (Eileen), Judy Cook, Ross Egbert (Dianne) and Wayne Egbert (Susan); his children: Elena Egbert Brooks (Matthew), David Egbert (Stephanie), Elizabeth Egbert Berghout (Daniel), Scott Egbert (Jennifer), Kim Egbert, Paul Wright (Jayann), Kristina Egbert Pexton (Jamison), Daniel Wright (Adriene), Cara Wright Hansen, Robert Egbert (Sara), Allyson Egbert Murphy (Vince), and Mary Wright Brearton (Klint); 36 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Yvonne, brothers-in-law Jerrold Cook and Charles Gilmore, son Michael Wright, and grandson Aaron Egbert.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Woodland Hills chapel at 220 Woodland Hills Drive, Woodland Hills, Utah. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah and again from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to services at the chapel.