Lawrence E. “Larry” English
Larry E. English, age 83, of Alda, died Friday, November 19, 2021, at Grand Island Regional Medical Center. Mass of Christian burial will be today, Thursday, December 2, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Wood River. Reverend Jonathan D. Sorensen and Reverend Jorge Canela will concelebrate. The funeral mass will be livestreamed on Curran Funeral Chapel Grand Island Facebook page. Inurnment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Wood River with military honors rendered by the Wood River American Legion Post #314, United Veterans Honor Guard, and the U.S. Army Honor Team.
The family requests casual attire for the funeral mass. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Larry’s obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.
Memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a later date.
Larry was born December 2, 1937, in Wood River. He was the son of Earnest and Mary (Kearney) English. Larry grew up in Wood River, graduating from Wood River High School in 1955. He was an excellent athlete while in high school, a standout on the basketball court, notorious for his half court shots, and was skilled on the baseball diamond as well. He attended Kearney State College for a year before entering the U.S. Army on October 1, 1961. He served honorably until his discharge on August 4, 1962, after which he returned to Wood River. Larry married Gayalyn Brester on June 27, 1964, in Grand Island. They lived in the Wood River and Alda area. Larry was a steam fitter for Local 464 out of Omaha. He worked at the Ordinance Plant and also owned and operated the Brass Rail.
Larry was an avid horse race fan and golfer, and will be remembered for the jokes he played on folks. He always had great stories for his grandchildren and he loved watching their school and sporting events.
Larry was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Wood River, The United Association and Local 464, and the American Legion Post #314 of Wood River.
Survivors of his immediate family include his wife of 57 years, Gayalyn English. of Alda; children, Mitch (Lisa) English of Kearney, Lisa (Chuck) Brandt, of Cairo, Nikki (Chris) Bond, of Wood River, and Kipp (Marci) English, of Wood River; 15 grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren; sister, Arlene Wiseman, of Omaha; sisters-in-law, Irene Lammers, Delores English, Eileen English, and Dee Fraser; and brother-in-law, Rod Brester.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Ryker Brandt; brothers, Harold, Bernard, and Jake; and sisters, Roma Spellman and Barbara Hayden.