Larry Comer

Larry L. Comer, 71, of Kirtland, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, in Kirtland. He was born Dec. 21, 1946, in Dallas, Ore. He was a Bayfield, Colo. graduate as well as a U.S. Navy veteran of Danang Vietnam aboard USS Lexington with an Honorable Discharge.

Larry was an Indian Trader passionate about the conservation of Native American Art. He loved and understood the culture. Larry was well known and liked in the four corners and throughout the Navajo Nation. He worked on and off the reservation. Larry ran many Trading Posts including Tolani Lake, Whitecone, Juanita, Nazalini, Sheep Springs, Black Mountain, Chinle, Dilkon, Grey Mt., Crownpoint, Dennehotso, Hogback, Tanner’s Big Dollar, Russell Foutz Indian Room, Teec Nos Pos and retiring from Foutz Trade in Kirtland. His honesty, love and respect for the Navajo people provided sincere friendships.

Larry was an avid lover of all animals and had nine cats. His place of serenity was spending time at their pond feeding the fish. Seafood was one of his many indulgences. Larry had a golden, generous heart and was a hardworking man who left many great memories with his funny jokes and stories. A couple of his special greetings were “Hellooo’” and “Yah te hay – Sha buddy!”

Larry took his own life after battling heart disease and depression. Studies show up to 33% of heart disease patients end up developing some degree of depression. Knowing he is at peace helps mend our hearts.

Larry was preceded in death by his daughter from a previous marriage, Lori Dimmett; father, Harold Lloyd Comer; mother; Velma (Swatzell); and sister, Pat (Walt) Lockhart. He is survived by his wife, Helen (Trujillo); son, Don D (Robin); daughters, Rita (Decker) and LeAnn (Shawn) Gonzales; sister, Julie (Dennis) Handy; and grandchildren, Patrick, Cayton James, Samantha, Amanda, Tanner, Tatum, Travis, Trevor, Truce, Trenton, Tarolyn, Shayleen, Stephanie, Taylor, Joelyn, Trace and Jeannie; and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Larry will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 473 Road 6100 in Kirtland with Bishop Joel Foutz officiating.

Pallbearers are Travis Comer, Trevor Comer, Monte Lockhart, Decker Foutz Jr., Lyle Guffey, RJ “Squeak” Hunt and John Facteau.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry’s honor to the American Heart Association or the American Foundation for suicide prevention.

Funeral arrangements are with Farmington Funeral Home, 2111 W. Apache St., 505-325-2211. Those who wish to express condolences may do so atfarmingtonfuneral.com.