Larry Wayne Garoutte

Larry Wayne Garoutte, born on February 11, 1937, in Eugene, Oregon, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, in Smithville, Texas, leaving behind a legacy marked by family, hard work, adventure, and a commitment to his passions.

Larry's life and career were diverse and distinguished. Larry was baptized at age 12 at Church of Christ in his home town of Cottage Grove, Oregon and belonged to the First Christian Church. He began his professional journey during high school, working night shifts at a plywood company while completing his studies. Following his graduation, he entered the Air Force at Mc Guire AFB in New Jersey for four years and was stationed in Dreux, France. While serving in France he met Anne Marie Victeur, soon married and brought her home to Oregon with her parents and sisters. Patrick and April were his children from this marriage. After serving he entered the world of insurance sales with American Republic before moving on to his role as a bookkeeper for Georgia Pacific. His remarkable skills in finance soon led him to the position of accounting manager for Jack Brandis in Albany, Oregon, where he served for five impactful years. Larry's career progressed further, transferring to Coin Millworks in Prineville, before he embraced a dynamic role as an Accounting and Sales Manager for Brand S Corp, managing operations across Oregon, Idaho, and California for three years.

In pursuit of greater independence, Larry became a self-employed lumber broker, establishing himself in Bend, Oregon. In the early 80’s he relocated to Austin, Texas. He married Cindy Shaw and they had one child, Jessica. He significantly expanded his business ventures, employing a team of 15 and managing multiple companies, including a brokerage office, a fence company, a lumber yard, and an arrow company. In 1988 Larry found the love that would sustain him the rest of his life in Jo (Avis) Brooks, who had one daughter Gina. Larry and Jo built a log home in Joseph, Oregon where they raised Jessica for many of her formative years. Larry and Jo count as their grandchildren Amanda Harris (spouse Danny),Taylor Garoutte (spouse Elizabeth), Madelynn Cuellar (spouse Daniel Josué), Bryce Marlow, Chase and Kai Robertson, also six beautiful great grandchildren Brynnlie, Lincoln, Rowan, Olivia, Oliver, and Salomé Lucía.

A man of many interests, Larry was not only dedicated to his career but also to his hobbies. His adventurous spirit shone through in his love for bow hunting, where he achieved impressive accolades, with several of his animals recognized in the Pope and Young record. Beyond archery, he embraced the thrill of boat and snowmobile racing, and he participated in National Archery Competitions, receiving a medal from Paris, France, and training French civilians for national competition. He enjoyed scuba diving in South and Central America and had a passion for riding motorcycles and playing racquetball. He was an IFR certified pilot , loved flying and owned several airplanes over the years. Larry was also a collector of handmade knives, showcasing his appreciation for craftsmanship. In later years his favorite place was HT Fitness.

Larry’s contributions did not go unnoticed; he served as the President of the Paulina Chapter of Hoo-Hoo Western Division for two years, leading the largest lumber organization in the United States. He was honored as "Outstanding Citizen" in both the 1978-1979 and 1979-1980 years and was an honorary member of an archery club in Paris, France, established in 1483.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Jo Garoutte; his son, Patrick Garoutte, daughters April Garoutte and Jessica Robertson (spouse Mark), Jo’s daughter Gina Rowland (spouse Matt) along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren who cherished him deeply. He was preceded in death by his father, Darrell Harry Garoutte, his mother, Blossom McCoy, and brother Eddie.

A memorial service to honor Larry will be held on May 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Bastrop Christian Church, located at 1106 Church Street, Bastrop, Texas, 78602. As friends and family gather to celebrate his life, they will reflect on a man whose hard work, adventurous spirit, and dedication to family left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be given to the Burton Heritage Society for the restoration of the Mt. Zion Historical Chapel, PO Box 492 Burton, Tx 77935.