Lawrence “Larry” Eldor Sailer passed away on Thursday, Jan. 24 at the age of 72. He was born on Jan. 21, 1947 in Beulah, N.D. to Eldor and Emma Sailer and moved with his family to Wheatland in 1957. It was here that he would realize his passion for the earth and geology, with the help of an after-school job at the local rock shop and the friendship of the rock shop owner, Bob Berry.
Larry turned that passion into his life’s work. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wyoming and a Masters of Paleontology from the University of Nebraska. He was a diehard Cornhusker fan and was certain that his game calls in front of the TV on Saturdays helped the Huskers win many a football game. He became a Geologist for Exxon in 1976 and retired after 37 years. He counted his Exxon family as some of his dearest friends.
It was also in Wheatland where Larry would meet and marry the love of his life, Lorene. Together, these two small town kids ventured out and built loving homes for their family in: Laramie; Stuttgart, Germany; Lincoln, Neb.; Lafayette, La.; Midland, Texas; Copperfield, Texas; Katy, Texas; Fulshear, Texas; and Lago Vista, Texas. His adoration of his kids was only rivaled by their adoration of him. Becoming a grandfather was one of Larry’s greatest joys and he will forever be known as Opah to all of his grandchildren.
Those who knew Larry best will remember him for his kindness and patience. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served as a Specialist 5th Class, Clerk Typist. He would sometimes brag that he “stormed the beachheads with a typewriter under my arm”. And it is this humor that he will most lovingly be remembered for. He had a special knack for incorporating a good laugh into everyday life-lessons. One family favorite is... “Respect your elders. Especially your Lawrence Eldors.”.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Rebecca Lorene Sailer; his two children, Chad (Kristie) Sailer, Staci (John) Wright; five grandchildren Jimmy (Kandace) McGee, Justin McGee, Hunter (Asami) Sailer, Kendall Wright, and Jack Wright; two great grandchildren, Harley and Akiko; brother Duane Sailer and sisters Bonna Goddard, Linda Lay and Edie Ryff; mother-in-law Becky Nazarenus; sister-in-law Karlene Stugart; and countless nieces and nephews.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents Eldor and Emma Sailer; his oldest brother, Roger Sailer; his father-in-law, Homer Curtis; his step-father-in-law, Jack Nazarenus; and his mentor and close friend, Robert Berry.
A service to remember and honor Larry was held on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at Katy Funeral Home, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or the American Diabetes Association.
