A lifelong resident of East Carbon, Larry Kent Gilson, age 71, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones.
Larry was born September 23, 1952, in Payson, Utah to Glen C. Gilson and Agnes “Rose” Johnson.
“Yooo, it’s too lovely!”
Larry lived his life to the fullest and cherished every moment he had with his family. He was truly one-of-a-kind, and he left us with a lifetime of laughs and memories. He took pride in sharing stories of his loved ones and was especially proud of his grandkids’ accomplishments.
If you knew Larry, you’ve heard him talk about having the time of his life playing high school football where he got his forever nickname, “Mad Dog.” Larry and Debi raised their two children, Josh and Jenny, in East Carbon, Utah. He worked in the coal mine for as long as his health allowed. Although his health battles were never-ending, they never got him down. The combination of his positive outlook and stubborn nature beat whatever challenges came his way. We joked he had nine lives and most of us were certain he’d outlive us all. Larry never complained, no matter how uncomfortable he was. Even during his hospital stays, he always saw the positives, saying “everyone is so smart,” “they’re treating me like a king,” “the nurses here are so nice and beautiful,” and “the food here is top-notch.”
Larry loved being in the mountains hunting, exploring, or just going for a ride… always with a Diet Coke and a bag of Sour Cream & Onion Lays in hand. He had an admirable zest for life, thought the world was incredibly beautiful, and was grateful for every single second he had on this earth. We know he is dancing into Heaven in his cowboy boots and reuniting with those who passed before him. As Larry would say, “it’s too plush, baby, you know it!”
Larry is survived by his son, Josh Gilson, daughter-in-law, DeAnn Gilson; grandchildren, Kelcee (JJ) Blue, Kaydee (Tyler) Herrera, and Kaycee Gilson (Zach); great-grandchildren, Walker and Ada Blue; daughter, Jenny Gilson; grandchildren, Anthony Archuleta and Austyn Gilson; sisters and brothers, Glenna Gilson (Jackson Frederick), Judy (Val) Roberts, Jean Rodriguez, Sally (Bruce) Anderson, Bill (Ernestine) Gilson, Pat (Gilbert) Trujillo; former spouse Debi Taylor; special dog Nico; and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Glen C. Gilson and Agnes “Rose” Johnson; brothers Mike, Ray, and Dean Gilson; and sister Lila Ruth.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, 2 p.m. at the Sunnyside Park. Please join us to share memories and celebrate Larry’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you share your memories online at Mitchell Funeral Home’s website www.mitchellfuneralhome.net, or at his celebration of life.