Obituary of Larry Allen Challender

Larry Allen Challender was born on June 11, 1954 in Tacoma, WA and passed away from his 3 year long battle with small bowel cancer on January 14, 2012 in Puyallup, WA, he was only 57 years old when he parted this earth. Larry is finally pain free and at peace in God's loving arms and Dancing with the Angels. From what I've heard about Larry as a young boy, he was little rascal according to his longtime friend Danny, since age 10. They had quite a few hair raising adventures that makes you wonder, how could they have survived that? Larry enlisted in the U S Navy during a non wartime era between September 1980 to November 1984. He said he wanted to tour the world and that's just what he did living in places like Australia, China and Hawaii to name a few. After the Navy he lived in California for a few years before coming back to Washington. Larry was 38 years old and a Bachelor when he met his wife Connie in October of 1994 at the old "Branding Iron" where they danced the night way to a Country Music band. Larry and Connie both loved country music and dance so much and soon found themselves entering dance contests and winning! The Cimmeron Dancer's even wanted this couple to join their dance troupe to dance in competitions, fairs etc.... even though they never joined due to obligations they both had it was an honor to be accepted. It was a blustery hot August day on August 5, 1995 that Larry and Connie were married in the little church in Elby, WA. Larry chose the date, the church and even the train whistle...he wanted this day to be very special so this was no ordinary wedding but a country wedding with all the trimmings with old fashioned gowns, cowboy hats, jeans and the train blowing it's whistle as the couple became husband and wife.... The reception was held at the Elby Fire Station since they never used it, it was allowed and a country band called "Eight Second Ride" set up their drums, electric guitars and singers right inside the Fire Station until it got too Hot and they moved everything outside in the 90 degree temps. The newly Wed couple, family and friends country danced the night away. Larry worked as a truck driver for various companies after marriage but took a more steady job driving for Wilcox and then AIRGAS making Dry Ice deliveries to hospitals, stores, restaurants and any other business that used dry Ice. AIRGAS was Larry's last employer before he became ill and had to leave. Larry loved listening to Native American music.. he found it soothing and comforting... He collected anything and everything to do with Native American or John Wayne, his idol. He was a good old country boy with all the extras and we miss him so much. It was February 21, 2009 when Larry went into to surgery and the doctor gave us the tragic news that Larry had small bowel cancer, such a rare type that it wasn't even recognized by the Cancer Society. Larry fought hard over the next few years and at times there was hope that he was beating this disease since the doctors originally only gave him 6 months to one year survival This type of cancer causes a lot of abdominal cramping along with constant nausea so to endure this pain for 3 years proves Larry was a fighter so fight he did even to the end. I'm going to miss him terribly but find the strength in knowing he's no longer in pain and in a better place where Angel's sing and dance. "Rest In Peace ~ Love You Babe" Larry is survived by his wife Connie and 6 step children, his Mother Shirley Roderick, his sisters Sharon, Dianne, Kris and Mary. His Brothers Steve and Daniel and several Niece's and Nephews. Larry's wish was to have his ashes scattered over the Puyallup River at a place where he and his Dad used to go fishing. A Memorial Service with Full Honors will be performed at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA on June 11, 2012 which would have been Larry's 58th Birthday. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial, (253) 566-1008.