LARRY DOWSE
MARCH 17, 1937 - JANUARY 2, 2024
Larry Dowse, 86, longtime Riverton Resident and educator passed away at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital in Bozeman Montana, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 18, 2024 and a funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday January 19, 2024 both at St Margaret’s Catholic Church. Interment to follow the funeral at Mountain View Cemetery.
Larry was born on March 17, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri. His parents were Claud Dowse and Lillian (Whiting) Dowse. He grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas and Boulder, Colorado, graduating from Boulder High School in 1954. He joined the United States Army in 1956 where he was trained as a communication specialist. He was Honorably Discharged in 1958. He then attended Colorado State University and completed his education earning his Master’s Degree in industrial arts education.
While attending college he met and married Pat (Dean). The young couple moved to Riverton in 1962 for Larry’s first teaching job. Larry taught for 30 years in Riverton, first at the junior high as an industrial arts teacher, then completed his career at Riverton High School as the building trades instructor. Larry and his students built 12 homes in Riverton. He retired from teaching in 1993, at which time it was noted he had only used three sick days in 30 years.
Larry and Pat raised three children, Fran, Laurie, and James.
Larry was a member of St Margaret’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a wrestling coach at Riverton Junior High School and coached youth baseball for several summers. After retirement he enjoyed visiting kids and grandkids, fishing, hunting, and camping. His family and friends kept him busy with projects, always challenging his skill as a master woodworker.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pat; daughter, Laurie Dowse, Bozeman MT; son, James (Jeanna) Dowse, Dolores, CO; grandchildren, Jaycy Galey, Omaha, NE, Kelsey (Trevor) Merchant, Spring Creek, NV, Thomas (T.J.) Galey, Riverton, WY, Patricia (P.J.) (Eddy) Ivey, Great Falls, MT, Christa Penor, Roundup, MT; son-in-law Jay Galey; great granddaughter, Franni Merchant; sister, Coleen (Terry) Dunn, Rawlins, WY, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Lillian Dowse; and daughter, Fran Galey.
Memorials may be made to Saint Margaret's School in care of Davis Funeral Home 2203 W Main Street Riverton, WY 82501.
On-line condolences may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services are under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.