Gerald McWhorter

Gerald Lawrence (Larry) McWhorter, 73

Gerald Lawrence (Larry) McWhorter, age 73, of Lancaster, California, died early Monday morning October 16, 2017 at his home with his eternal companion at his side. Born December 14, 1943, in Monterey Park, California, he was the son of the late Ivan L McWhorter, Jr. and Norma Irene (Anderson) McWhorter.

Larry grew up in southern California becoming a beatnik poet and jazz musician. After high school, he worked for Universal Studios as a musician and appeared on screen in the original "Where the Boys Are." He joined the United States Air Force in 1962 and served for four and a half years. He served as a medic during the Vietnam War. After returning home from the war, Larry worked as a nurse where he met the love of his life and future wife, Annette Viola Walton. Larry and Anne were married on October 25, 1969.

Larry had a life long passion for flying and aviation in general. He worked hard his entire life, sometimes two full-time jobs at a time, so that Anne could stay home to raise their five children in a loving, nurturing environment. Larry always had a witty, joking demeanor and comical nature - even to the very end.

Larry loved the Lord and cherished his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed serving in every calling that was ever extended to him within the church. He especially loved serving the members of the Rosamond Ward as Bishop. He was an example of selfless service and sacrifice to all who knew him, especially his five children.

Larry is survived by is eternal companion, Annette Viola (Walton) McWhorter; along with their five children: Seann and Kristie McWhorter of Highland, Utah, Shannon and Dale Andreoli, Jr. of Quartz Hill, California, Kristie A. McWhorter of Las Vegas, Nevada, Brian and DeAnn McWhorter of Mesa, Arizona, and Kyle and Alyson McWhorter of Tehachapi, California; 16 grandchildren: Devin and Annie McWhorter, Zachary McWhorter, Ryan McWhorter, Jacob McWhorter, Spencer McWhorter, Dale Alan III and Marissa Andreoli, Madison Andreoli, Curtis Andreoli, Brianna McWhorter, Brian McWhorter II, Benjamin McWhorter, Braelynn McWhorter, Bradley McWhorter, Carter McWhorter, Olivia McWhorter, and Charlie McWhorter; 2 siblings: Shannon and Ray Harrison of Provo, Utah, and Barney McWhorter of Salt Lake City, Utah; and many other loving nieces, nephews and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents and older brother, William Michael McWhorter.

Memorial services for Larry will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 21, 2017 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 3134 W Avenue K, Lancaster, California. Interment will follow on Monday, October 23, 2017 at the Bakersfield National Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at a viewing Friday, October 20, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Funeral Home of Halley-Olsen-Murphy Funerals located at 4481 N. Cedar Avenue, Lancaster, California and Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints prior to the memorial services.