Larry Dale Leathers of Box Elder, passed away Monday, June 18, 2018, surrounded by those who loved him most. He was born April 27, 1959, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Vernal Leathers and Mary Wells.

While working as a Fry Cook at Kentucky Fried Chicken, he fell for and found his future wife and best friend, Catherine (Cathy) Shirk. They dated only six months and were united in matrimony on November 19, 1978. Together they had three fantastic children; two sons and a daughter who was always his “little girl”.

Larry delivered salads to all twenty-six KFC stores in the Indianapolis area until he and Cathy decided to move to South Dakota to give their children a chance for better education in 1988. There he started his thirteen-year career in painting houses, the last three of which he ran his own painting business with his wife. In 2003, he began working for L&L Insulation and worked there until late 2017.

Larry was a kind, gentle, caring man who would help anyone in need and loved children. He was often waving and talking to every little child he came across. He enjoyed going to rivers to fish, camping, boating and anything that put him in the great outdoors. Larry always had a soft spot for motorcycles and always said that he would own a Harley Davidson one day. He bought himself one just a year ago and was able to enjoy several rides in the hills. Larry also had a love for his three dogs, you rarely saw him driving without seeing their heads hanging out the windows of his truck. His wife will cherish the time they spent on their weekly Saturday brunch dates.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather who raised him, Mary and Walter Wells. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of almost forty years, Cathy Leathers, Box Elder. Two sons; Larry D. Leathers II (Amy) of Texas, Kenneth E. Leathers (Stacy Schalesky) of Florida. One daughter; Allissa Hale (Jerry) of Rapid City. Seven grandchildren; US Navy Larry D. Leathers III of  California, Mystical Elizabeth Leathers and Colby Wayne Leathers of Texas, Casie Justice Leathers, James Tanner Ader, Crystal Ann Ader and Gregory Fox Hale of Rapid City. His two sisters; Judy Keen and Tina Leathers of Indiana. And one goddaughter; Dusti Rose Merrival of South Dakota.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held Friday, June 22, 2018, at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home at 2 p.m. A reception will follow at 6900 Anderson Rd., Black Hawk at 4:30 p.m.