Larry Blaine Wilmeth of North Platte died peacefully in his sleep at the North Platte Care Center on Aug. 4, 2023. He was 84 years old. Larry was born on May 5, 1939, in Gothenburg, to Howard and Lola (Beerman) Wilmeth. Larry spent his childhood growing up in Gothenburg. His family moved to Dickens after his father's untimely death. Larry was 9 years old and had to grow up quickly. He started working at a very young age and developed a great work ethic. He always said, "If one person is working everybody should be working." Larry graduated high school in 1958 at Wallace High School while living in Dickens. During the summers and after high school, Larry worked for a section gang of the Burlington Northern Railroad. He also spent at least one season custom combining. Larry later worked at Stinger Ranch as a hired hand for four years. He moved his family to North Platte when he obtained a job at the Coca-Cola bottling plant. In 1968, Larry finally landed a career job at Union Pacific Railroad; he retired after three decades of holding different train maintenance positions as a carman. Larry married Barbara McDermott in 1960 and had four children: Blaine Wilmeth of North Platte, Brent (Rochelle) Wilmeth of Bismarck, North Dakota, Brooke Wilmeth of North Platte and Bridget Wilmeth of North Platte. Larry had a passion for dancing, he would travel for hours to meet friends and spend the night dancing. Larry also frequented the golf course many days a week. He loved cars and car races. He of course was an avid Husker fan of football, baseball and volleyball. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Betty McDermott. He is survived by his four children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and younger sister, Creta Waltemath. A memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. Service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Ryan Alexander officiating. Burial is at the Farnam Cemetery. Service will be livestreamed at carpentermemorial.com. Visitation is from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is entrusted with arrangements.

North Platte Telegraph August 5, 2023