July 12, 1952 — Aug. 18, 2024

Larry Turner Blake, 72, was born July 12, 1952, to Floyd Duane Blake and Darlene Turner Blake in St. George, Utah. He married his sweetheart, Janean Mower, on Sept. 11, 1971, in the St. George LDS Temple.

Larry grew up in the “Sandtown” area of St. George and spent many hours at his grandparent’s homes in St. George and Washington and their beloved ranch on Kolob Mountain, where he learned the values of honesty and good work ethic from his dad and grandpas (as well as a few cuss words).

He spent countless hours on the back of a horse, tending to sheep and later cattle and the farm, caring for the land and animals. Larry was a lifelong entrepreneur. One of his first business ventures was with his friends, riding their bicycles up to Veyo, collecting pop bottles along the way, and then turning them in for money so they could buy a soda. At 15, he started working at Premium Oil as a gas attendant so he could have money of his own and later worked at Russ’ 76. While attending Dixie College, he met his dear wife Janean. He shared that it was love at first sight; when he saw her green eyes, he knew she was the one, and they married in the temple shortly after.

He was newly married when he was offered a job at Southern Utah Title Company, where he spent many years learning and growing in the business. He later bought into the company with partners, two of them being  Ed Bowler and Allen Carter, and they remained business partners and dear friends for 52 years.

He mentored and taught many people there who grew to love him deeply. If he saw someone struggling, he invited them to his office to check on them, and their co-workers would often tease that he was pulling them in for their “bishops interview.” He spent his whole life farming and ranching, first with his grandpa and dad, and later bought the family ranch with his brother Kelly, where they ran cattle on the Arizona strip and Kolob. He was an entrepreneur and owned many businesses and properties in town, but ranching was his true love and passion.

There was never a dull moment when Larry was around. He was always teasing and harassing someone or telling one of his many stories. He loved to tickle someone’s ear with a piece of grass, so they thought it was a bug. He liked to remind us that his feet were his best feature; he’d pull off his socks to prove it and then try to get us all to agree. We all believe teasing was his love language. We loved his laugh, his crooked smile, and the way his blue eyes twinkled as he watched for our reaction.

If he wasn’t working, he could be found with his family at the lake, enjoying the scenery on his ATV or horse, while he was regularly checking on his cattle, fishing or hunting with his family, or tinkering on some equipment or a project. He had a love for music and enjoyed sharing all of his old records with his family, and dancing with his girls when they were young.

He was very patriotic, loved America, and always expressed gratitude for those who have served our country. He also listened to talk radio way too much and always caught us up on all the latest political news, whether we wanted him to or not. Larry loved watching things grow; whether it was their garden in the backyard, his hay fields, his calves, or his family, he had a gift of nurturing God’s creations. He was a mentor and caretaker to many. We could all depend on him for anything big or small. He always had words of wisdom to offer, the ability to help find resolution in conflict, and the gift of making people feel loved and valued. He always left people better than he found them. It was very important to Larry that his family was self-sufficient, hard-working, and kind. He had a great love for Dixie and spent countless hours serving the community.

His opinions were held in great regard throughout the state regarding property information pertaining to the Washington County area, which his ancestors settled. He worked with several officials in the LDS church to obtain properties for the church in Southern Utah. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in countless callings, including as Bishop in a college ward, as well as their home ward, where he made many lifelong friends.

He instilled in us a love for our Savior and shared his knowledge of the gospel, and a loving Heavenly Father every chance he got. His testimony and beliefs were very important to him, and he tried to live his life with charity and compassion.

When working with Larry, you’d find he was a bit impatient when things weren’t being done his way, and quite often, he used those opportunities to teach you “a better way” of doing things. He also had a bit of an addiction to the weather app and was constantly checking it to see if the ranch was getting any rain. He would do anything he could to pinch a penny and save a dollar, but he was also one of the most generous men we knew, sharing his prosperity with countless people he found in need. He was stubborn and opinionated yet tender and kind.

He had a quick fuse and could get pretty fired up, but he was also humble and quick to apologize. He really softened in his later years and had such a tender spot in his heart for his grandchildren, as well as his ancestors. He got emotional and a tear in his eye if he ever spoke of them.

Larry‘s parents instilled in him a great love for his ancestors, and it was very important to him to teach his children and grandchildren love and gratitude for the sacrifices that were made by those who came before them and settled here in Dixie. He had an incredible memory and gift to recall names, events, and genealogical information from Southern Utah’s history.

Larry and Janean spent the last little while building their dream home down in their fields in Little Valley, from where they have the perfect view of the cows in the field, the Red Cliffs Temple, as well as Kolob Mountain, which they love so dearly.

Larry was a mountain of a man, a pillar in our community, genuine, wise, hard-working, and kind. He has left behind shoes that no one could possibly fill. His advice, opinions, perspective, and wisdom will be missed by many.

Larry had been suffering greatly from health issues and was in an immense amount of pain for several months. Various medications were used, but there was no relief from his anguish, and as a result, he was not able to sleep for several nights. We believe he wasn’t thinking clearly because of medications, but we also respect him more than any other man in our lives, so if he was convinced it was his time, we respect that.

Larry decided it was time to reunite with those he loved so dearly, and he walked into the arms of our Savior on Aug. 18, 2024.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Janean; four children: Clinton (Toby) Blake, Lynette (Rory) MacDonald, Darla (Vic) Hockett, and Marylynn Goudy; 15 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; two brothers: Stan (Allyson) Blake, Kelly (Deanna) Blake; two sisters: Nancy (Brent) Gubler, Mary Ann (Rick) Denos. He is preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Jordan Goudy, and great-granddaughter.

Because of the weight of this situation, and to preserve the health of our sweet mom, instead of having a viewing and a funeral, we have chosen to have an intimate graveside service for his family to honor him. We know how loved our dad is in the community and are truly sorry for those of you who would have wished to attend a funeral service for him. We hope for your understanding.

In lieu of flowers, the very best way to love and support us and honor our dad would be to take some time to share your memories of him with us at this link. If that’s not possible, please text, email, or call one of us so we can preserve his legacy by sharing those stories of him with his posterity, whom he left way too soon! Thank you for all of your love and support.

Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.