Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Bewley Obituary
Larry was the older brother to Vonnie and Kathy who he lovingly cared for when they were small. At age 13 his parents divorced and Larry moved to Rifle CO with his Dad. It was in Rifle that Larry and his Dad met and fell in love with Barbara Myers and her two boys. The three boys Larry, Robert, and George "Bugs" became brothers when Archie and Barbara married. Larry graduated from Rifle High School in 1961, where he was in track, football, and wrestling. He went to the University of Denver on a scholarship but joined the Marine Corps in 1963. While stationed at NAS Jacksonville FL as an Aircraft Electrician in 1964, Larry and Betty met on a blind date and married on April 27, 1965 in Santa Ana CA where Larry was stationed at MCAS El Toro. After returning from a 13-month tour in Vietnam, Larry tearfully and joyfully met his 10 mo old daughter Lisa Renee for the first time. The family moved to MCAS Beaufort SC, where Larry mustered out as a Sgt in 1967.
After leaving the USMC the family moved to Jacksonville FL where Larry graduated Cum Laude from Jones College with a BS in Computer Science. To his delight, his daughter Lori was born in 1969. Larry was employed as a systems analyst with the City of Jacksonville FL for 12 years. In 1979, Larry's love for Colorado brought the family to Durango where they raised their children, became grandparents, and were blessed with great grand-twins. Larry was employed by Bill and Micki Thurston of Weaselskin Corp for 28 years. He retired from Animas Fire Protection District as a Battalion Chief/EMT, frequently training new recruits, and teaching CPR. He served as a youth mentor for the CASA program, a Little League Baseball Coach for his grandson Zachary's teams. He was Treasurer for VEVA (Vietnam Era Veterans Association) for over 30 years, and for many years he served as a volunteer for Alternative Horizons Wine & Music fundraisers, volunteered at fundraisers for KSUT Radio, and served as a docent with Durango Nature Studies.
Larry is preceded in death by his father Archie Lewis Bewley, mothers Joyce Louise Forrest, and Barbara (Ogden) Myers, and his brother Robert Myers. He is survived by his wife Betty Jean (Tool) Bewley, daughters Lisa Renee (Graves) Piechocki (Tracy) of Fairbanks AK, and Lori Michelle Bewley (James Wilson) of Durango, grandchildren Tiffany Lyn Chacon (Ervey) Durango, Hagen Collis Graves of Rowlett TX, and Zachary Lee Bewley of Durango, great-grandchildren Adrian and Evah Chacon of Durango. He is also survived by his sisters Joyce Lavonne Kane (Andy Carter) of Magnolia TX, Kathryn Louise Bicknell of Aurora CO, and his brother George Ellis Myers of Silt CO, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and brother-in-law Stephen Joseph Tool Jr (Shirley) of Jacksonville FL. At his request, Larry has been cremated and services will be held when weather and/or COVID allow. In lieu of flowers, Larry asked that you reach out and treat each other with kindness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bewley
STARR CROSS
September 29, 2021
My dear Betty so sorry Larry left us. but it is thru this obit i found you. ive been looking for you for years. so look ke up on Face book or email me ur2love48@ yahoo.com whatsapp +51935179170 try it much love in these strange times
Betty Johnson
May 6, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Betty, Will miss him at the class reunion and seeing you, please keep in touch, R.I.P. He is missed ! Betty
Geri Mulligan
April 4, 2021
It was always a delight to see Larry rambling down the grocery aisles...such a lively spirit. In peace
Dana Helvey
March 23, 2021
I had the great pleasure of serving with Larry on Animas Fire. From his common sense, and awesome ability to laugh at himself, to his unwavering desire to keep all around him safe...he was the best of the noble profession that is Fire Fighting truly can be. All I can do is smile when I think of him
Eve
March 22, 2021
I have the fondest memories of Larry, his big smile, the sparkle in his eyes, his gentle energy and his kind kind soul. No matter when or where I saw him he always made time to say Hi and ask how I was doing, he genuinely cared and made me feel like I mattered. He is the embodiment of what it means to be a good man, a teacher/mentor and friend. It's no surprise his one request was for people to treat each other with kindness as that is what he modeled in this world.
Betty, I love you and I'm so so sorry for your loss, I'm here for you always.
Kendra
March 22, 2021
Ahhh ... Betty so, so sad for you all. Larry was one of the kindest, nicest men I've ever known. Memories flood my mind... Rest in Paradise Larry♡ Sending comfort and condolences Kendra
Peggy Redford
March 21, 2021
Oh dear Betty,
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.
You and Larry were such a bright example of a loving supportive marriage.
May your heart find peace in your lifetime of memories.
With love,
Peggy Redford
Monica Farley
March 21, 2021
My deepest condolences to his wife and family. Larry was an amazing man I could talk to him for hours. He was very kind and respectful and he always had a smile on his face. Rest In Peace Larry. I will miss you.
Sweetie Marbury
March 21, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband was respected in Durango by all. I always saw a smile on his face . Your family will be in my prayers.
Anita Phillips
March 20, 2021
The world was surely enriched by Larry's presence, as he was a truly good man. My condolences go out to Betty and the rest of the family.
Anita Phillips
Jeff Watson
March 20, 2021
He was a truly nice man. Always happy and honest with his words and his heart. He will be missed
March 17, 2021
It was serendipitous that I made Larry's acquaintance via his wonderful Betty. Such a gracious man who shined that kind smile, and made me feel like family when we passed in the grocery store or on the street.
Peace to you Larry, and Peace to your heart Ms. Betty.
VeAnn Kelley
Lauren Patterson
March 17, 2021
Larry will always be remembered as a kind and loving soul. I am happy to have had him as a friend for over 40 years. Rest well Larry.
Frank Heuett
March 16, 2021
Larry always had the very best smile ever. He was a good man and I’m proud to be related.
Bill Bewley
March 16, 2021
I have memories of Larry, Vonnie and Kathy visiting our grandparents during summer vacations. We always looked forward to their visits as all of the aunts, uncles and cousins would be together at large family gatherings at my grandparents’ house. Larry would often come and stay at our house where he and my brothers would hang out together. The last time I saw Larry, Betty and his sisters was at a celebration at my Uncle’s house where most of the surviving family members gathered. The characteristic that I remember most about Larry was his engaging smile and he always was kind and compassionate. May our memories of him remind us how fortunate we were to have known him. My sincere condolences to Betty and all of his family.
Bill Bewley
Laura Lewis Marchino
March 16, 2021
I have fond memories of Larry from DELC to Alternative Horizon events and being around the community at Betty’s side. I am remembering him with you.
Steve Stahl
March 15, 2021
My condolences to Betty and family. Larry was a mentor of mine for many years in the fire service and he will be remembered as a friend and fire service hero.
Phil Trujillo
March 15, 2021
So, So sorry about Larry’s passing, was/is a good friend, so glad to read his obituary to find more good stuff about him R.I.P my friendphil trujillo, Grand Junction
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in William Bewley's name
Memorial Events
for William Bewley
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Bewley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
