Obituary of Larry Burke Hargrove
Larry Burke Hargrove 1937 – 2018
Larry Burke Hargrove, 80, of Woodville, Texas died Monday, October 8, 2018 at home surrounded by loved ones while his favorite song played. He was born November 28, 1937 in Sulphur, Louisiana to Kathryn “Kate” Isabell Barclay & Burke Allen Hargrove.
Larry was raised in Buna, Texas until age seven. His grandmother owned the Hargrove Hotel and his grandfather and father owned & operated H & H Groceries. The family moved to Silsbee, Texas where Larry attend school and graduated from Silsbee High School in 1956.
After High School he went to work for East Tex Paper Mill in Evadale, Texas where he was employed in the lab. He later took a job with a paper mill in Longview, Washington. Missing family and friends, he returned to Texas, but only for a short time. He returned to the Pacific Northwest and began work at the Wauna Paper Mill, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Sandra Leigh Burgher. They were married on November 25, 1977 in Reno, Nevada and made their home in Knappa, Oregon.
He later took a position in the Groundwood Department where he would eventually become the Superintendent. In that role, he implemented several ideas to save the corporation significant money, developing plates for the Groundwood Mill that revolutionized the industry, and for his efforts he was awarded the Gold Key from James River Corporate Headquarters in Virginia. He held many leadership roles in the West Coast Pulp & Paper Mill Organization, including President, until his early retirement due to Multiple Sclerosis.
Having lived a very active life as an athlete, tennis player, fisherman, and motorcyclist, Larry was determined not to allow MS to limit or define his life. He continued his devotion to his family and his love for a good challenge. He took up wood carving and was able to reach the status of Master Carver in two short years, winning many ribbons for his realistic fish carving. His Rainbow Trouts won the Top Honor at the Best of the Northwest Carving Competition.
In 2004, Larry and Sandi moved to Woodville, Texas, where he lived until his passing.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother, Lyn Hargrove.
He is survived by his spouse of 41 years, Sandra Hargrove of Woodville, Texas; three brothers: Van Hargrove of Newton, Texas; Ricky Hargrove & spouse, Pauline of Orange, Texas; and Steven Hargrove & spouse, Elsie of Colorado; daughters: Kathryn M. Spaulding & spouse, Mitchell; Karen K. Jackson & spouse, James, of Portland, Oregon; Tereasa K. Taylor & spouse, Mike of Svensen, Oregon; and Deborah L. Bakkensen & spouse, Drew of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren: Tanner Spaulding & spouse, Lana of Baltimore, Maryland; Tawny Lockett & spouse, Jermaine of Wichita Falls, Texas; Justin Jackson & spouse, Kirsten of Portland, Oregon; Jared Jackson of Portland, Oregon; Ashley Kennelly Ullman & spouse, William, of Scappoose, Oregon; Gregory Taylor & spouse, Savannah of Denver, Colorado; and Zach Bakkensen of Portland, Oregon; great grandchildren: Lyla, Kameron & Kyra Lockett; Olivia & Kayleigh Kennelly Ullman; Mitchell & Keith Spaulding; and Aubrie & Orion Jackson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family memorial service will be held at a time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful care givers of Kindred Hospice, as well as the friends and family for the loving care poured out upon Larry.
