November 13, 1948-September 4, 2026
Larry Allen Gresham, 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Tyler, Texas, on September 4, 2026.
Larry was born on November 13, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Harry Burton Gresham and Ruby Lorene Gresham.
Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he served as a door gunner with the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company, known as the “Black Cats.” His military service was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, and Sharpshooter (Rifle) qualification. His service to his country remained an important part of his life and legacy.
It was during this chapter of his life that Larry met and married Sarah, with whom he shared many years and raised their two daughters, Donna and Lori. Though Larry and Sarah’s lives eventually took different paths, they continued to share mutual respect and kindness through the years.
For the past 23 years, Larry shared his life with his wife, Jan Gresham, making their home in Tyler, Texas. In the earlier years of their marriage, Larry and Jan enjoyed riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycle with family and friends, creating many wonderful memories along the way. Jan was a loving and devoted wife to Larry and a wonderful stepmother to his daughters. Her love, companionship, and devoted care for Larry, particularly in the later years of his life, meant more to his family than words can adequately express.
Larry was also a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Galena Park Masonic Lodge #1290 for more than 53 years, reflecting a lifelong connection to the brotherhood, values, and traditions of Freemasonry.
Those who knew Larry will remember his fun-loving personality, wonderful sense of humor, and especially his gift for storytelling. He genuinely enjoyed people, and time spent with Larry was always memorable. He had a way of making people laugh, and his stories were often remembered and will be retold for years to come.
Larry took tremendous pride in his grandchildren and loved watching them grow into the people they became. Their accomplishments and successes brought him great joy, and he was always proud to hear what they were doing and where life was taking them.
He loved fishing and hunting, cheering on the Houston Astros, watching classic Westerns, and enjoying music, which remained a lifelong pleasure.
Larry is survived by his wife, Jan Gresham; his daughters, Donna Coneley and husband Chris, and Lori Kauniste and husband Valle; his stepchildren, Rusty Liles and wife Robin, Kelli Schmidt and husband Derek, and Craig Liles and wife Tomi; his sisters, Tricia Stone and husband Mike, and Lynn Wood; his grandchildren, Erin Coneley, Garrett Coneley and fiancée Grace, Valle Kauniste Jr. and wife Becca, and Kaia Kauniste; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and countless others whose lives were made a little more special by knowing Larry.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Burton and Ruby Lorene Gresham; his brothers, Danney Gresham and Clinton “Butch” Gresham; and his niece, Jennifer Gresham.
Larry leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, love, and treasured memories. He will be deeply missed and remembered with a smile by those who loved him and the many people fortunate enough to have known him.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Jeter Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas 77546.
Immediately following the funeral service, a graveside service will be held at Forest Park East Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598.
Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life at Vallensons’ Brewing Company, 4081 Rice Drier Road, Pearland, Texas 77581. We hope you will join us to share memories and stories, raise a glass, and celebrate a life that brought so much laughter, love, and joy to those who knew him.
Those who will not be attending the graveside service are welcome to go directly to Vallensons’ following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Larry’s name to either of the following organizations:
Cowboys 4 Heroes
Donations may be made through
Camp Hope:
10 thoughts on “Larry Allen Gresham”
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I loved Uncle Larry. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
I love you Uncle Larry. You will be missed more than you know.
Donna, Lori, and family… thinking of you, and praying for ya’ll. Love ya’ll.
Oh Jan I’m so sorry to see about Larry I’m gonna miss his smile at the barbershop…prayers & hugs sent your way 🙏🏻
Sending big hugs and prayers for the family.
Larry was truly a great man—someone who lived his life with strength, love, and devotion to his family. He proudly served his country in Vietnam, a sacrifice that will always be remembered and honored.
But perhaps Larry’s greatest legacy was the impact he had on the people he loved. He was a wonderful father to Lori and Donna and a loving grandfather to Erin, Garrett, Valle, and Kaia. His guidance, example, stories, and love helped shape each of them in ways that will carry on for generations.
Larry was more than a father-in-law to me. He was Dad. I will always be grateful for the memories we shared, the lessons he taught us, and the influence he had on our family.
His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through his daughters, grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Rest peacefully, Larry. Thank you for your service, your love, and for being such a great man.
Gonna miss you, Dad.
Valle
Larry was a kind person and a great father. I would not have had been able to raise our daughters to become the good/caring person they are today without him. He knew just the right words to say to the girls keeping them on the right track. I am grateful for that. Larry was a great fisherman and hunter, and he could clean the fish and deer to perfection and brought many good meals for dinner. The deer sausages were amazingly tasty. Larry proudly served his country in the Army. Thank you so much for his service. I love Larry always.
A wonderful friend and neighbor whom I deeply cared for. You will be missed, Larry. Love you.
My life was truly blessed when the Gresham family entered into my life. Larry always treated me like one of his daughters and I especially enjoyed eating his dear sausage burgers after school before work with Donna. Larry was truly a kind and special part of my young adulthood. Hugs to the entire family. I wish I could be there for the Services.
My sweet friend, I loved getting to see you daily while I was out walking! I will miss you, my buddy!