Larry Kasting September 8, 1923 - November 5, 2013 On November 5, 2013 Larry Kasting passed away peacefully on his couch at his home in Hooper, Utah with his fireplace blazing and his TV on - basketball probably. The last six months were tough on him, having undergone five surgeries. But he was one tough little "Banty Rooster". His two kids called him "Dad"; his three grandkids and two step grandkids called him "Grandpa" and "Gramps"; his wonderful wife, Betty called him "Lar"; his friends called him "Larry"; his customers, suppliers and employees at Clearfield Auto Parts called him "J.R." But, whatever anyone called him, they were in for a warm response, a hearty handshake, usually a long story and almost always some witty saying that made you laugh or roll your eyes - "You big itchi-bum". He loved and lived life to the fullest extent. He loved to be around people and he always had an opinion on everything. Right or wrong, you could rest assured that Larry would tell you what he thought on whatever subject was being talked about. Although he owned and ran Clearfield Auto Parts, he was always a cowboy at heart. He loved his home, barns and corrals. He loved his horses, goats, dogs and cats-he had an untold number of each over the years. He never considered feeding and caring for his animals a chore-it was a privilege. He loved to ride his horses, hunt deer, elk, ducks, pheasants, geese and antelope and was making a solo trip to Nebraska to hunt deer with his cousins well into his late eighties. He was an accomplished skier, golfer and trap shooter all of which he actively did until a couple of years ago. In his younger years, he was a pretty good water skier and couldnt wait for fishing trips to Jackson, Hebgen, Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell. He was even into horse racing for a brief expensive time. He served his country well in the Navy during WWII and was honorably discharged as an Ensign First Class. He married a cute little Italian girl, Betty Todeschi in 1947. They had two kids and provided for them well. Larry always willingly gave his time, talent and resources to friends and strangers alike. He was a founding member of "Freedom Riders" and for years would trailer up old "Scooter Bill" and go to the fairgrounds to help disabled kids enjoy and experience horses and horseback riding first hand. His wife, Betty left this world for greener pastures in May 2011. His son, Kent and his wife, Connie live in Bozeman, Montana. His daughter, Susan and her husband, Tony Cross live in Pleasant View. His grandson Justin Kasting and his wife Karen live in Seattle. His grandson Adam Hemmelgarn and his wife Shelly and their son Kaiden (Larrys only great grandchild) live in Clearfield. His granddaughter, Carey Hemmelgarn and her fianc Jack Hershey live in New Jersey; his step grandchildren Kylar and Kenyon Cross live in Pleasant View and his friends live everywhere. There will be a Rosary in his honor on Friday, November 22, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. at the Comfort Suites Hotel 2250 South 1200 West Ogden, to be followed by a time to share some stories and memories of the many good times weve had with Larry and wish him well on his journey to join up with family, friends, hunting buddies and fellow cowboys who Larry often said "had taken the big trip". A Catholic Mass will be celebrated for him at Newman Center Weber State University, 3738 Custer Ave. Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service at Leavitts Mortuary, 836 36th Street, Ogden. In lieu of flowers you can sure make a contribution to Catholic Community Services of Ogden, Utah in his name - Larry would really like that. Happy Trails Cowboy!! Cremation under the direction of Leavitts Mortuary. Visitation Information Date: Friday, November 22, 2013 Time: 5:30 pm - Comfort Suite Address: 2250 South 1200 West , , Ogden, UT, | Map There will be a Rosary followed by a sharing of stories and memories of Larry. Service Information Date: Saturday, November 23, 2013 Time: 10:00 am - Newman Center Address: 3738 Custer Ave., , Ogden, Utah, 84403 | Map This will be a Funeral Mass service.