Larry received his education at Saint Labre Mission School, he graduated in 1966. After High school Larry enlisted in the U.S Marine Corps January 15, 1968. Eugene Seminole enlisted the same time and they departed together at the Billings Bus Depot. They served together until they were sent to Vietnam and were separated into different units. On January 21, 1969 Larry came in contact with heavy combat during the start of Dewey Canyon Operation Alshau Valley against the Northern Vietnamese Army. He was wounded in action February 18, 1969 sent back to United States to Bremerton, Washington. After spending 9 months in the hospital Larry was sent to limited duty to Camp Pendleton, California until he received his honorable discharge on June 10, 1970. His medals earned; Purple Heart Medal, Combat action Medal, Vietnam service medal with three stars, National defense service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Republic of Vietnam cross of Gallantry with palm and Frame, Rifle marksman badge and Navy achievement medal.
After returning home in 1970 Larry went to work for the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Police where he began his career with Law Enforcement. Shortly after, he transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs where he served as a police officer on several Reservations which include Metlakatla, Alaska, Quinault Indian Reservation in Western Washington and Lapwai, Idaho. On December 23, 1970 he married Marcine Hypine, she passed away unexpectedly. Larry continued with his life, later he was transferred to the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota until April 1978, he resigned to return home and went back to work for Bureau of Indian Affairs Roads Department, later returned to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Northern Cheyenne Law enforcement. Larry enjoyed his job and never complained. He retired with the Bureau of Indian affairs in 2007. Larry worked for Law Enforcement for a total of 32 years.
Larry was united in marriage to Irene Flying on July 26, 1978, married for 33 years. They made their home in Lame Deer, Montana where they raised three children. Larry thought very highly of his children. Always encouraging them to better their lives and he never gave up on them. Larry has seven grandchildren who he thought the world of and would also encourage them to "Do well in school and finish". His favorite sport was to hunt wild game, such as Deer and Elk. He had many hobbies such as, cleaning his yard and attending bingo. Larry enjoyed spending time with his family.
Larry was a member of the Catholic Church. He believed in the power of Prayer and the Faith in God. He encouraged his family and friends to always pray.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Ruby Flying, his sister Myra Flying, his brother Dennis Flying, Grandparents Patrick Spotted Wolf and Jean Walters, Uncles Clarence, James and Clifford Spotted Wolf, Aunts Aldora Bement, Molly Small, Josephine Cooper and Father in law Raymond Brady Sr.
Survivors include his wife Irene Flying, three children Larry Jr. (Rynalle), Frank Sr. (Rheannon) and Misty Flying, a sister Patricia (Charles) Yellow Fox, his grandchildren Maleah, Keely, Frank Jr., Fydel, Milee, Keenan and Fulton Flying. Nieces Yvonne Badhorse, Debbie (Scott) Russell, Nephew Marcus Capture, Aunts Aladine (James) Spang, Merietha Charette, Louise (Floyd) Fisher and numerous cousins.
Extended Families include; Charette´s, Fisher´s, Sooktis´, Spang´s, Onebear´s, Yellowrobe´s, Woodenlegs, Walters, Rowlands, Shoulderblades, Rising Suns, Littlecoyotes, Limberhands, Blackwolfs, American Horse´s, Spotted Wolf´s, Cooper´s, Bements, Weber´s, Small´s, Hiwalkers, Glenmore´s, Seminole´s, and Realbird´s. Our family is large, please accept our sincere apologies if we failed to mention your name at this time.
The Family would like to acknowledge his special friends Ed Pearia, Ken Miller, Wayne Headswift, Winfield Russell, Alonzo Walker and Dwayne Clark. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Billings Clinic Cancer Center. In particular, Dr. Burke, Dr. Geller, Physician Assistant Travis Allen and the R.N´s on the third floor especially Nurse Vikki. Journey Hospice Nurses Jo Anne, Diana and Nancy for the wonderful loving care and respect you showed to our father.
We will continue to celebrate of a life truly well lived. You were our provider, our protector, our hero, our hope and our life, but most of all you were our best friend. You completed your job on earth and it is time to call it a day. The battle has been fought, the war has been won, and we will see you again soon. We are also in comfort knowing you´re in a better place and continuing to watch over us.
Traditional Wake Service will be held at 7:00pm on Monday, February 27, 2012 at St Labre Mission in Ashland, MT. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at St Labre Mission in Ashland, MT. Burial with full military honors will follow in the St Labre Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth, MT has been entrusted with assisting in these arrangements. Memories and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons .com .
Service Schedule
Wake Services
19:00 to midnight
Monday February 27, 2012
St. Labre Mission
Ashland, MT 59003
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00
Tuesday February 28, 2012
St. Labre Mission
Ashland, MT 59003
Interment with Full Military Honors
13:00
Tuesday February 28, 2012
ST Labre Mission Cemetery
Ashland, MT 59003
Service Schedule
Wake Services
19:00 to midnight
Monday February 27, 2012
St. Labre Mission
Ashland, MT 59003
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00
Tuesday February 28, 2012
St. Labre Mission
Ashland, MT 59003
Interment with Full Military Honors
13:00
Tuesday February 28, 2012
ST Labre Mission Cemetery
Ashland, MT 59003
Ken Miller says
“These Good Men”
I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite.
Not to tell stories or look at old pictures. Not to laugh
or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be with the
men who once acted their best, men who suffered and
sacrificed, who were stripped raw, right down to their humanity.
I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and
the U.S. Marine Corps. But I know them in a way I know no
other men. I have never given anyone such trust. They were
willing to guard something more precious than my life.
They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me.
It was part of the bargain we all made, the reason we were
so willing to die for one another.
I cannot say where we are headed. Ours are not perfect
friendships; those are the province of legend and myth.
A few of my comrades drift far from me now, sending back
only occasional word. I know that one day even these
could fall to silence. Some of the men will stay close,
a couple, perhaps, always at hand.
As long as I have memory, I will think of them all,
every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my
last thought will be of my family and my comrades.
….such good men.
“These Good Men” by Michael Norman
God Bless you Larry, Semper Fidelis.
Ken Miller
Norm "Alaska" Milliken says
You were a fine man, Chief, and a brother loved by all your comrades. Rest in Peace and
Semper Fi. Norm
Lou Cornier says
Rest in Peace my brother. I remember you and will cherish that memory as I await my time to also meet the “Great Spirit” . God Bless your family and God Bless the rest of our 3/9 brothers. Semper Fi!
Sonny Vasquez says
May you Rest in Peace Mike 3/9 Brother!
Tom Scheib L/3/9 says
Rest in Peace Brother. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Dale "Mac" McCoy L/3/9 says
“To my Brtoher by another mother; birthed in combat, bathed in mud, blood, sweat and tears. We are bound, Lives interwined for eternity”.
My sympathies and condolences to the family.
Ed Pearia says
As dedicated Marine and without question, Larry lived up to the Marine Corps creed: Honor ~ Courage ~ Commitment. His friendship will always be treasured and the fond memories I have of him will never be forgotten.
My heart felt condolences and prayers go out to the Flying family.
Semper Fi!!
JJ Murphy says
I remember Larry as a Great Warrior and a dedicated Marine Brother. This will be a Lesser Place without Him.
God Bless SEMPER FI
JJ Murphy
Keith and Brenda Stabelfeldt says
With heartfelt sympathy in your loss of Larry. Keith had the honor of working with him in Law Enforcement, as Keith is a retired Rosebud County Deputy.
With sincere regards,
The Stabelfeldts
Rosebud, MT
Dean and Carrie Small says
Our family sends our condenlences and prayers to the the family of Larry Flying. Rest in Peace.
Christine Valentine says
God bless you Larry and give you peace. My sympathy goes to all your family. I have the deepest respect for you and all the work you did especially on the NC reservation.You always stopped to say hello to me when I worked there and it meant a lot.
Melissa Royston (whitewolf) & Family says
Send our condolences to the Flying family…Prayers of comfort to Irene & Family.
Jeff Sorensen says
Larry was a great law enforcement officer. I had the pleasure of working with Larry on many occasions as the Highway Patrolman in Colstrip. May he rest in peace.
Wolfgang Hochholdinger says
My heartfelt condolences to the Flying family. Larry was always a kind, helpful person who was genuinely concerned for the welfare of others.
May the Creator grant you solace and strength.
Blessings,
Judy Harris says
My condolences to the Flying and Spotted Wolf families. I had the greatest respect for Larry.
darlene fox says
sending condolencenses to my fathers wife,my 2 brothers and my sister i just heard the news today of my dads death my mother told me but im sorry to say i had no feeling due to him wanting to keep me a secret.let it be known i do exist and the only feeling i have is hurt because i was not mentioned.Im also very saddened that i didnt get to know my father as you all knew him and now ill never get the chance.
Lynette Spang & Family says
Prayers to Irene & family during this hard time!!
Raining Star says
Even though I didn’t know this man, I was touched by the words of those who did. He was an example for his family. He was a dedicated soldier, proud of his country and would even go to fight for her. In my eyes, he never forsake his culture, but he was able to rise high above the “walls” so many of us cannot break down. We can choose to remain in the ugliness of history when the Northern Cheyenne Nation did have many atrocities and were not honored as people or we can choose to soar higher and say, I will not let the past affect my family, children and future. I have endless opportunities if I trust that GOD is in control and that HE is the Great Spirit of this Reservation. May I/we really listen to what his life was saying……PEACE
Raining Star
Tim Hershberger says
Rest in peace my brother, thank you for your gallant service in Vietnam.
Tim
Vietnam 68-69
Cathy Spang says
Offering sympathy and prayers to Irene and family. May God wrap his loving arms around you at this time and give you strength.
Corry Mordeaux says
Larry and I had many contact during my work as a Special Investigator for the Office of Federal Investigations (OPM). He always welcomed me and was more than helpful in assisting me with my duties. He was 100% Law Enforcement. He will be missed.
Roy Wegener says
Mrs. Larry Flying;
My prayers are with you and the family and especially with Larry. I was the radio man that served with Larry in Nam and was with him when he was injured. I was the man that called for a medivac chopper to get Larry to a Medical unit. I will miss him and I know he is with God now and they are going to be as great of friends as he was with his fellow Marines. You have my deepest sympathy.
Respectfully,
Roy Wegener, M3/9 radio man and friend.
doc minney says
I had the honor of serving with larry 2nd plt, he was a great marine and even better human being, semper fi
Ken Miller says
I think of you often around this time of year.
Semper Fidelis
Lo shad ell says
Friends forever my love. I’ll always love you and the good times we had in California.
See you someday in the spirit world, heaven waits for us, you had a good life on earth
Ken Miller says
Semper Fidelis Brother Marine. I found Bob Fanning on 2/9/2019 and he mentioned he talked to you. You are talked of often amongst your Brother Marines & Corpsman. I never got that chance to talk to you but sent you a letter & hope you received it.
God Bless YOUR MEMORY
Ken Miller says
Semper Fidelis Brother Marine Warrior, God Bless Your MEMORY
Ken "Buzzard" Miller says
Bumped into folks tonight that were going back to Montana and I couldn’t help but to bring you up. You were one hell of a Marine Chief “nickname”. My bucket list has you on it to visit your community Lame Deer, Montana and your school to let them all know how much you were Loved by your Brother Marines and Corpsman. Your Memory is Alive and Well….Semper Fidelis 03/20/2023
Ken Miller says
Semper Fidelis to A Great Marine..!!