Larry L. Barnes, long time La Plata County resident and premier log home builder went to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior July 13th 2026.

Larry was born on March 3rd 1932 as the oldest son to Calvin L. Barnes and Thelma Ruby Catherine Smith Barnes.

He spent his childhood in Durango, Cortez, Pagosa, La Boca, and Grandby. The Barnes family was living on West 8th Ave. Durango when his brother Bill joined the family. When he gained Ben Hartley as his step dad, he also gained three good buddies and step brothers, Homer, Delbert and Benny Hartley. Larry learned good work ethics from an early age when his mom and step dad left the boys in Grandby for a job in California. The five boys survived on a small grocery allowance, a box of 22 shells, and any odd jobs they could pick up. Larry attended Sulfer Springs High School, where he lettered in softball and basketball.

Larry was a proud Korean War Veteran having joined the Navy and served from 1951 until 1955. Because of his carpenter skills and concrete knowledge, he was a Sea Bee in the Philippines.

When Larry was discharged from the Navy he met the love of his life Lorelei. They were married in March of 1956 and made their home on part of the Self Farm where they raised their three children, Lori, Larry D. and Levi S.

To care for his young family Larry left the house with two lunch boxes every day. One for lunch while he worked at the Basin Coop and the other for his evening meal where he worked on the construction of the West Building. While working at the Coop he delivered gasoline and diesel to ranches from Dove Creek to Pagosa and from North Animas to Aztec. When he wasn’t delivering fuel he was taking pre orders for fertilizer.

Larry started his custom log home business in Durango Colorado in 1972. He was a man of integrity and would build a home with a handshake. Throughout his years of building custom homes Larry had many satisfied clients, who still consider it an honor to live in one of the homes he built. He retired at the age of 78.

In addition to his parents and his brother Bill Barnes, Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife Lorelei and his son Levi.

He is survived by his daughter Lori (Elliot) Ott; son, Larry D. (Rebecca) Barnes. Also surviving are his 9 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Larry was an honest and upright man, who will be remembered by his family and many friends for his faith, quick wit, integrity, kindness and can do attitude.

There will be a celebration of Larry’s life on Monday July 20th at 2:00pm at the Spring Creek Grange Hall. 8211 Co Rd 334, Ignacio, CO. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado at their Durango office.