Lawrence"Larry" Michael Fairbanks

Lawrence Michael “Larry” Fairbanks, born September 11, 1961, passed away on September 17, 2025, at the age of 64, in his home in St. Amant, Louisiana. Larry was deeply loved by his family and friends. He was proud of his two sons, and was a devoted and caring father throughout their lives. He found special happiness in seeing his sons follow in his footsteps of military service. His eldest, Christopher Fairbanks, age 37, served in the U.S. Army National Guard in Iraq. His youngest son, Alexander Fairbanks, age 33, currently serves as an Officer in the U.S. Navy.

He loved and received so much joy as the grandfather of two beautiful girls: Rowan, age 18, and Allison, age 3.

Larry was preceded in death by his loving parents, George Delton Fairbanks and Dorothy Mae (Ourso) Fairbanks. Larry is survived by four wonderful older siblings: George Delton Fairbanks II (Glenda, spouse); Brenda Hines (Warren, deceased); Kathy Sanders, (Harry, deceased); and Sylvia Bonnette (John, spouse). He also leaves behind his former spouse, M. Kathleen Tully-Fryer, with whom he shared many meaningful years of his life and whose friendship he maintained until his passing.

Larry is also survived by many loving relatives and extended family members in Louisiana, Texas, and beyond. This includes his niece Julie Gray and her son, Maxx. They cared for and supported Larry during many years of struggle; they are true heroes with huge hearts. Larry’s siblings were also there for him through thick and thin, and their kindness will never be forgotten.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Navy, serving on the USS Hoel (DDG-13), as a Gunner’s Mate, Third Class. During his service, he took part in Operation Nimble Archer in the Persian Gulf in 1987, a U.S. retaliatory strike against Iran due to oil tanker attacks; the operation was a great success. Part of his role included ensuring that members of the ship’s Self Defense Force were fully outfitted and supplied with a steady flow of ammunition, even under the demanding conditions of the operation. His commanding officer praised Larry’s enthusiasm, tenacity, and diligence, which inspired his fellow shipmates.

In addition to receiving numerous awards during his Naval career, Larry received multiple certificates in his travels across the globe, including Realm of the Golden Dragon; Imperium Neptune Regis/Trusty Shellback; and Order of the Ditch, all of which tell a story of his efforts and journey. Upon completing active duty, Larry continued to serve his country in the Naval Reserves on Special Boat Unit (SBU) 22 out of New Orleans, Louisiana, for several years as a Gunner’s Mate, Second Class.

Larry had a golden heart, and everyone who knew him loved him. Beyond his service, Larry lived a life of generosity. Larry was the type of individual who helped others before he helped himself. He loved to cook and eat Southern food. His cooking was an act of love and a way of caring for those around him. His civil career included working for Thorpe Industries, a company with people he truly cared about, for the past 10+ years. Larry’s hobbies included fishing, watching the History channel, watching football, cheering on the Saints and LSU, and cooking for his friends and family. He also loved animals, including many beloved dogs and cats over the years, as well as the simple pleasure of feeding the birds and squirrels in the yard.

His family and friends are heartbroken at his loss, but we are coming together to honor him and remember his life. A service to honor Larry’s life will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 1pm at the VFW in Gonzales, Louisiana. The service will include a military honors ceremony.

The family invites friends and loved ones to gather, share stories, and celebrate his memory. All are asked to RSVP to enie.fairbanks@gmail.com so that we can ensure adequate seating and food coverage.

Though he is no longer with us, Larry’s love, spirit, and legacy — from his courageous service, to the joy he found in cooking, fishing, caring for animals, and above all, being a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, family man, and friend — will live on forever in the hearts of all who loved him.