Larry Ray Hymas was born on Jan 23, 1948, in the rural town of Rupert, ID to Acie and Faye Hymas. He was one of 5 children with two brothers, Dale and Kelly, and two sisters, Christine and Pauline. He graduated from Green River High School on May 24, 1966. A year later, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and on May 14, 1967 went to Fort Douglas to be sent to Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, TX. He spent time at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, CO and at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. He left for Vietnam on Aug 22, 1968 and returned from the war on Aug 20, 1969. He then was stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base on Sept 27, 1969. After four dedicated years he was honorably discharged from the Air Force on May 14, 1971.
After leaving the Air Force Larry proposed to Margie May Olsen and they were married from 1970-1972 and had one son, Bradley Ray Hymas. He later married Christine Lucille Lemmons and together they lived and had two daughters between1977-1982. Alicia Dawn Cruz and Audry Lynn Clark both reside in and around Boise, ID and Bradley resides nearby in Middleton, ID.
Larry was a dedicated long haul truck driver who drove for Willis Shaw in the 70’s, he later drove for Western Dairyman’s in the 80’s, and eventually drove heavy long haul flatbeds for TCT Trucking from the early 90’s until his stroke. After suffering a stroke on Jan 22, 2006 in Roseburg, OR while on the road, he lost his ability to drive and it was devastating. Life was much different but with his determination, ambition and his classic stubbornness Larry managed to live independently regardless of his disabilities for more than 15 years until just 8 months ago.
Larry was an incredible driver who drove for both work and pleasure. Mostly what he loved was the open road and the sound of the CB radio. Other truck drivers knew him by the CB handle Peter Pan. He loved the smell of gasoline and coffee from the truck stops. With an exceptional driving record he received several awards for driving over 100,000 miles a year without any citations or accidents.
When Larry wasn’t on the open road he took his personal 4×4 truck off-road all across Idaho with his family and friends which was Larry’s passion outside of work. Larry was also a lover of guns. He enjoyed hunting and taught his kids how to shoot from a young age. He always had his pistol in the holster on the bed post or behind the seat of his semi-truck. He loved to bowl, play pinochle or canasta, do puzzles, and was very social. After losing his ability to drive he never lost his ambition to get out and go places and rode his bike for miles and miles all over town. He always liked to be the center of the room and was loved by all who met him.
He is survived by his children, Brad, Alicia, and Audry, as well as 8 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Acie and Faye. Services will be held Monday Sept 25, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Boise Veterans Cemetery with military honors.