On June 20, 2024, Larry Lee Pedrett passed away in his home with his wife, Joan, by his side. Larry was born in Kimball, Nebraska on February 28, 1932. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Marjorie, his son Christopher and grandson, Charles. Larry grew up on a farming/ranching operation and attended the University of Nebraska.
On May 3, 1953, he married Joan Pierson and made their home in Reno where he was employed by United Airlines. He was then drafted by the Army and served as a helicopter maintenance technician for two years in Oklahoma when in 1954, they welcomed their son, Christopher, into the world. Larry continued to serve in the US Army in Oklahoma and Alabama. After his honorable discharge Larry and Joan returned to Nevada where he began his career in ranch management for ranches in Carson City and Carson Valley. Larry, spent his spare time coaching Little League, volunteering with 4-H and watching his son’s high school basketball games.
Larry was a member of the Nevada State Rangers and rode in the first re-ride of the Pony Express in 1960. He also participated in the Western States Trail Ride, a grueling 100 mile-in-one day to the finish in 1957.
In the 1970s he took a position with Occidental Land Inc. where he aided in ranch management sales and land leases. He later, in the 1980s, worked at the Ag Experiment Station for UNR and served on the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching. He also served as a director for the Nevada State Fair and enjoyed volunteering for the Nevada Junior Livestock Show. Larry also served on the Douglas County Planning Commission for a short time.
Larry enjoyed life in the valley as a Paul Harris Fellow Rotarian for over 27 years. He was a member of the CV Nut Club and was the last man standing from the Sunday morning breakfast club at Sharkey’s. Surviving are his wife Joan, brother Terry (Marlys), daughter-in-law Robbin, grandson Russell (Amanda) and great grandchildren Sadie, Henley and Grady and nephews and nieces in Colorado and Texas.
The family is grateful for the care provided by Jeanette Smith, Compassion Care Hospice and Interim Healthcare. Larry cherished patriotism, agriculture, livestock, community service and family. If he could be of service, he served. Kids and animals were always important, and many 4-Hers called him “Grandpa Larry.”
Larry’s skills, smile and always positive attitude will be missed dearly. Larry will live on in the hearts of those who loved him forever.