Larry Joseph Columbia, passed away on December 15, 2021, our hearts are at peace knowing he is no longer in pain, but broken. He is already deeply missed by his family and friends.  He was the guy that was always there for you.

Larry was the third child of six, born to Loren and Esther (Hoiser) Columbia on September 24, 1947 in Fort Morgan, Colorado.   He was an ornery, rambunctious boy and his family could tell you stories for hours of all the trouble and fun he created.  "Joe" as he was called by family and dear friends, loved to tease his two sisters, Patty Mae and Linda and three brothers, Hungry, Tom and Steve and he did his entire life.  It brought him much joy to lie about his age on his birthday and confuse them on how old he truly was, or call with a crazy April fools fib or prank. Not only was he a loving son and brother, but a very favorite uncle to all of his 11 nieces and 3 nephews and the great and great-great nieces and nephews. He loved and cared for them all and being an uncle brought him much happiness his entire life.

In high school he developed a love for playing sports and was honored to be on the Maroon wrestling team of 1962-1965, full of talented teammates, coaches and champions!  At sixteen his passion for cars began, he loved his brand new '64 black GTO!! Cruising and drag racing on Main Street with and against his greatest buddies.  The Fall Harvest Car Show was always his favorite weekend of the year.  He always could strike up a conversation about cars with anyone he met and tell you what year and model everyone had, from their first car to their last.
After he graduated from FMHS with The Class of 1965, "Sixty-Five Alive", Larry began working at A.F. Krueger Construction, this is where he learned the passion of work, and the long hours in the oil field that provided for him and his family.  In 1967, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served for two years, one being in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  He was a mechanic while enlisted and followed in his father, grandfather and uncles' footsteps of honorably serving his country in war and was very fortunate to returned home in April of 1969.   That June 1st, he married the love of his life, Evelyn Weimer, daughter of John and Ruth Weimer, their favorite son in law and favorite brother-in-law to Evelyn's four brothers, Marvin, John, Larry and Les.  They built a wonderful life of family, travel, fun and enjoyed all that they did. Traveling all over was their favorite thing to do and they went everywhere they could!  Larry loved seeing all the beautiful sights of the USA. Their favorite spot was at South Padre Island, where they could be "Winter Texans".

Larry and Evelyn raised two loving daughters, Shelly and Julia.   As a family they always made time to grow and learn together and made dear friends through the girl's activities of 4-H, church and school.  Larry never, ever missed being there for his two girls. He taught them the value of hard work and the love and enjoyment of always being forever present with family and friends. They valued that the most of their father.
In 2011, Larry and Evelyn's biggest dream came true, Julie and Mike Glenn blessed them as Grandparents with the most perfect and adored only grandchild, Maverick Walker Glenn.  Larry finally got his boy!  Larry and "the little guy", as he loving called him, bonded instantly and as he retired from work, his greatest job began as he picked up Maverick from school, every day. Together, Larry and Mav enjoyed getting after school treats, going fishing, fixing things, driving around in the pickup with the two schnauzers, Jett and Silver, swimming, teasing one another and Grandma, helping others and taking along their friends on these adventures whenever they could.  Larry deeply enjoyed watching Maverick and friends at practices then cheering them on as they competed in football, wrestling and swim team.  Grandpa Larry was never happier in all his life.
Larry was an active member of Christ Congregational Church and The Evening Optimist Club, where he could be with his friends, serving his God and community.  Larry enjoyed being a part of placing flags out in Fort Morgan on the holidays with the Optimist flag program. He was a true and very proud American, always.  He was also a lifetime member in the V.F.W., locally and at the state level.  He was the first Vietnam Veteran to serve as Post Commander in Fort Morgan, again, he was honored and proud to give back to his country.

Larry is survived by his family and all that loved him.  Including his wonderful, loving and devoted wife and travel partner of 52 years, Evelyn. Daughters and Grandson, Shelly Columbia and Julia and Maverick Glenn. Sisters, Patricia and Vern Wahlert and Linda and Stan Green.  Brothers, Robert and Sandy Columbia and Steven Columbia. Brother in Laws, Larry and Jeri Weimer and Leslie Weimer. Sister in Laws, Kay Weimer and Saralee Weimer. Many adored nieces and nephews and their spouses and families. Plus, many, many wonderful friends that he cherished and enjoyed life with.

A memorial service will be Tuesday, December 21 ^st at 10:30AM at Christ Congregational Church, 730 Ensign Street in Fort Morgan. The service will conclude at the church.