John M Larrabaster

John M Larrabaster, 74, of Rock Springs passed peacefully Sept. 20, 2017, at his youngest daughter's home in Keenesburg, Colo.

A native of Rock Springs, he was born June 30, 1943, to the late John B. and Cecelia Larrabaster. He married Georgia C. Clark in Green River Nov. 11, 1967, and they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

John was a 1961 Rock Springs High School graduate. After graduation, he was employed by Dale M. Fries Construction Company for two years before enlisting in the United States Air Force in November 1963. After basic training in Amarillo,Texas, he was stationed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

He returned home to Rock Springs in April 1967, to meet the love of his life Georgia in May of that same year. They courted until Nov. 11, 1967, moving back to Honolulu for the next 11 months, where he was an avid surfer and delivered dairy products from farm to factory. Returning to their native state of Wyoming, they made their home in Rock Springs. John began working at FMC as a maintenance mechanic and worked for 36 and a half years completing his job responsibilities and retiring as a vibrations specialist in June 2004.

While working and raising his family, John was a member of the Benevolent Patriotic Order Of Elks Lodge No 624, where he served as Exalted Ruler and District Deputy, attending many conventions throughout those years. He also was a member of the Rowdy Bunch CB Radio club in which he called himself, "Raider." Other memberships included: American Legion Post 24, Sourdoughs, Good Sam's Club and Rock Springs Motorcycle Association.

Survivors include his wife Georgia Larrabaster; two daughters, Lisa Marie Cook (Lennie) of Green River and Lynda Ann Larrabaster-Smialek (Lyle) of Roggen/Keenesburg, Colo .; one sister, Jean Pinter of Cheyenne; Six grandchildren, KaylaDean Marie, Abagail Marie, Jacob Austin Cook, Shandon Michael Welsh, Emily Rae deGroot(Carson) of Sneads Ferry, N.C., and Max Douglas Smialek; one great-grandson, Dedrick Brock deGroot; two nephews, Michael Joseph Pinter and John Casey Pinter; one niece, Gina Hood and great niece Malia Belle Morton.

He was preceded in death, by his parents.

A celebration of life took place at the Elks Lodge in Rock Springs, where military honors were presented. Upon his request, his ashes will be spread on Little Mountain, south of Rock Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the John M. Larrabaster Family respectfully suggests that donations be made in his memory to any American Legion Post or B.P.O.E. Lodge.

Condolences for family can be left at http://www.foxfh.com.