Master Chief
Larry R. Mummey
On March 18, 2010, Master Chief Larry R. Mummey set sail for calmer
waters after complications due to kidney cancer.
Larry was born July 30, 1943 in Harlem, Montana. He was always proud
to be from the Montana Hi-line, and shared countless stories of
growing up there, jumping trains to Havre and spending time at the
historic Kennedy's bar, which his family still owns. He excelled in
sports in high school, and throughout his life followed the Harlem
Wildcats on the sports pages.
At age 17, Larry joined the U.S. Navy. He went to the top, becoming
a decorated Master Chief. He made the Navy his career, and enjoyed
many years traveling the world on Aircraft carriers, specializing in
Electronic Warfare. He had a deep love and respect for the sea, and
all that it entailed. He retired after 26 years, and always laughed
when people would ask whether he liked it. He not only liked it, it
defined him. He always made us laugh when he pondered why other
military servants would voluntarily go aboard a ship that sinks
underwater, or jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
Early in life, he married Diana Wilkinson. Together, they had 3
wonderful children, Larry Russell, Jr. (Russ), Erika, and Justin.
They later divorced.
After retiring from the Navy, Larry moved back to his homeland of
Montana, passing up a job at the Pentagon, to get back to his roots.
He received his BA degree in English from Eastern Montana College,
and briefly taught English at Billings West High. He had a mastery
of the English Language, was an expert in Shakespearean literature,
and was known as the "Wordsmith" by many of his friends. He greatly
enjoyed reading, often finishing novels in one day, and was also a
brilliant writer. Gifted with a smooth and captivating voice, he was
a man of few words, but when he spoke commanded attention, as he
seldom said anything that wasn't of value. Although seemingly stern
and serious on the surface, he was always quick to point out that
children and animals were drawn to him, which was the true measure
of a man's character. Larry was an impeccable dresser, with
attention to every detail, and he took great pleasure in
consistently tying the perfect knot in his tie. He demanded
attention when he entered a room, whether he wanted it or not.
After teaching, he enjoyed working at the Tinder Box in Rimrock Mall
for several years until its' closing. He loved a fine cigar and a
globe of warm red wine. Eventually, Larry landed with the Montana
Department of Labor at Billings Job Service. It was there that he
found a kindred spirit and soul mate in Donna Fredericks. They
became fast friends through their love of literature, music, and
spirited political discussions. Years later, on January 22, 2005,
they married. Although too brief, they shared a deep and abiding
love, and were so happy just being together enjoying the simple
things in life. Larry welcomed his new stepchildren, Beau, Jess, and
Delaney Fredericks. He brought great calm and solace to their lives,
and his laid back and accepting attitude was instrumental in helping
to raise three teenagers
-
again! One of his favorite expressions was "I've seen serious and
this ain't it".
Larry was an excellent marksman, and enjoyed many hours shooting
with his children, his stepsons, and brother-in-law, Gregg. He was
rich in Western History, and knew the origin and history of all
weaponry. Old fashioned guns and rifles were intrinsic works of art
in Larry's eyes. He loved the Old West, and was always quick to
announce that he was "A true man of the 90's the 1890's"
In the evening of his life, he enjoyed his retirement, especially
traveling with Donna. Their regular trips to the Venetian in Las
Vegas, to Boston for his daughter Erika's wedding, and a wonderful
cruise to the Bahamas held special memories. He was also blessed
with two grandsons, Cian and Declan, and so happy he got to see them
both in his
final year. Generous to
the end, his dancing blue eyes will give sight to another.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Mildred
Mummey, sister Karen Mummey and brother Roger Mummey. He is survived
by wife, Donna Fredericks, his son Russ, of Portland, Oregon, his
daughter Erika and husband Bobby Gaudreau and their son Declan of
Andover, Massachusetts, his son Justin of Billings and grandson Cian,
his stepchildren Beau, Jess, and Delaney Fredericks of Billings, his
sisters Annie Mummey, Janice Gilham and husband Ron, brothers Leslie
Mummey and Ron Mummey and wife Liz, brother-in-law Gregg Wilkinson,
cousin Vernon Mummey, ex-wife Diana Wilkinson of Maine, in-laws
Julius and Esther Pfannenstiel, and brother and sister in- laws,
Dave and Linda Pfannenstiel, Darrell and Pauline Pfannenstiel, and
Dean Pfannenstiel. He also leaves behind dear friends Ben and Margia
Pretlow, Mac and Lynn Roof, his Tuesday lunch buddies, and other
countless friends too numerous to mention.
If desired, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or
the Humane Society.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
God Bless you Larry, I have often wondered about you and where you retired to and when. I'm so happy to read that God bless you with a wonderful and peaceful life. I pray that God will bless and caress your family members and that they will find comfort in his love. Our paths crossed numerous times in our careers and I always enjoyed working for you and with you. You taught me a lot about the Navy, electronic
warfare and life. Thanks Master Chief; I wish you "Fair Winds and Following Seas, Brother."Mike Lewis
Master Chief Electronic Warfare Technician, United States Navy, Retired.
Washington, DC