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Larry Don Riordan passed away in his home on July 3rd at the age of 79 in Granbury, Texas. Larry was born in Hobbs NM on September 13, 1945. Living with his dad from age 6, Larry quickly learned the importance of independence and self-reliance. Larry married his wife Jessie of 56 years in December 1965 and they raised three children. While serving in the Army National Guard Larry began his 38-year career with the Gas Company of NM. Beginning his work in the field as a backhoe operator, he was promoted to Area Manager in Clayton ending his career as Albuquerque Area Manager in 1996 then moving back to Alamogordo and retiring in 1997.
Larry served as Alamogordo Mayor and was a Rotarian and participated in several humanitarian missions to Mexico. Larry also led the Alamogordo Rotary Little League for several years in the early 2000s.
Larry married Sible Tharp in 2024 and while their life together was short, they enjoyed many faraway trips and almost as many moves. They attended services and activities at the Triple Cross Cowboy Church, with a shout-out to the band which Larry really enjoyed. They met many new friends in the Golden Gears Car Club.
Larry was Poppop to his grandchildren and he adored and loved them. Poppop was the fixer of all things which led to his grandchildren saying “My Poppop can do it”. “Howdy, howdy” with a lighted smile was Larry’s greeting. He was proud of what he accomplished with family, work, and life, and deservedly so.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sible Riordan, children Donnette Nelson (Doug), Tim Riordan (Randi), grandchildren Heath Johnson (Allison), Karly Middlebrook (Taylor), Megan Nelson (Atalie), Tyler Riordan, Abby Riordan, Hayden Riordan, Jimmie Riordan, and Marissa Baumann, his brother John Gale (Holly Ruth), sister Rhonda Wolf (Thomas), Sible’s son John Tharp, daughter Edie Tharp (Jigger) along with numerous great-grandchildren whom he adored.
Larry is preceded in death by his wife Jessie, son Jimmy, parents Jesse Riordan and Minnie A Gale, stepfather John Gale, and sister Reneè Gale.
Services will be held at Wiley Funeral Home, 400 Highway 377 E Granbury, Texas on Thursday July 10th at 1pm.
