Larry John Goetze

Larry John Goetze, 57, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, September 16, 2014. He was born September 4, 1957, in Wichita Falls to Oscar and Edith (Adams) Goetze.

Larry graduated from Iowa Park High School in 1976 and went on to Vernon College graduating in 1978. He completed his academic career receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Tarleton State University in 1980.

After graduating he taught agriculture at Breckenridge and later Hubbard High Schools. In 1984 he joined the United States Department of Agriculture as a Farmers’ Home Administration credit management specialist. He served farmers and ranchers through the USDA in Memphis, Perryton, Seguin, Dumas, Waxahachie, and Clarendon offices during a career that lasted 27 years. After retiring, he returned to the family farm in Wichita County where he worked up until his passing.

Larry was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Clara and a past member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church of Amarillo. He had a passion for working with youth which lead him to volunteer with the Donley County 4-H, Clarendon FFA, and the Junior Historians of Clarendon High School. Professionally, he was a member of Texas Association of Credit Specialist serving in a variety of offices including President of the Texas Association from 2010-2011. His favorite hobby was sharing history with others, most notably through his participation in the Plum Creek Brigade.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Edith.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years Lyndal Gillen-Goetze of Electra and son Paul Goetze of Amarillo; brothers Tim Goetze and spouse Leslie of Burleson; Dr. Jim Goetze and wife Margaret of Laredo; paternal aunt Margaret Klinkerman of San Antonio; nieces LaRaena Richardson and husband Paul of Corsicana; nephew Wade Gillen and wife Jennifer of Barry; step-niece Katy Bates of Laredo; great nieces Lacy Richardson of Corsicana; Tristan, Lanie, and Camryn Gillen of Barry; a host of cousins and friends.

Visitation was held from 6:00 to 8:00PM on Friday, September 19, 2014 at Dutton Funeral Home in Iowa Park. Services were Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Clara with Pastor Samuel Wirgau officiating. Interment was at the Clara Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Dale Askew, Bill England, Wade Gillen, Dan Glass, David Kearney, and honorary pallbearer Rex Fuston.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.