Laurence Petty

In Loving Memory of Laurence “Larry” Douglas Petty January 24, 1943 – August 27, 2025

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you." —John 14:1–3

Laurence “Larry” Douglas Petty, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, went to be with Jesus on August 27, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on January 24, 1943, to Charles and Helen (McCoy) Petty in Great Falls, Montana. Larry’s life was marked by devotion, joy, and unwavering love.

From the moment he could walk, Larry was drawn to sports—holding, throwing, or kicking a ball. He excelled in athletics throughout his youth, playing football for the Great Falls Bison and baseball for the Great Falls American Legion Team. His talent and determination led him to play college football for the University of Montana Grizzlies from 1963 to 1965. (Go Griz!)

In 1963, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Eugenia Elaine Swingley. Their union was blessed with the birth of their son, Mitchell Douglas Petty, on March 11, 1968. 

Larry joined the United States Army ROTC at the University of Montana and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1967. He served in Army Medical Care and completed a tour in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." —2 Timothy 4:7

After his military service, Larry began a long and successful career with New York Life Insurance Company in 1972, where he remained a loyal and respected sales member for over 47 years.

In 2016, Larry moved from Helena to Billings, Montana, to be closer to his son, daughter in law, and grandchildren. He cherished his role as a father and grandfather above all else—never missing a game, a hunting trip, or a chance to go fishing or camping with his family. He held season tickets for Griz football from the year Washington-Grizzly Stadium was built (1986) and missed only one home game in all those years—last year, when the roads were closed.

Larry’s greatest joy came from his family and the countless friendships he nurtured over the years. He never met a stranger, and his warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." —Psalm 23:6

Larry is survived by his beloved son, Mitchell (Heather) Petty; grandchildren Baileigh (Blake) Veenendaal and their children Gracie and Weston, Emily (Kyler) Johnson and their children Tinsley, Kollins, and Kastin, Jake (Aubrey) Orvis, and Parker (Aundrea Johnson) Petty; as well as nieces and numerous cherished friends, including former spouses, Eugenia Kirby, Barbara Knutson and her children, Aimee Muffick and Jennifer Hollow;  and Nancy Graham and her son Jeffrey Richards.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Faith Haynes, his grandson Riley Orvis, and many beloved friends.

Larry’s legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Services will be held on Tuesday, September 9th at Faith Chapel at 11:00am located at 517 Shiloh Road, Billings, MT.  A gravesite service will follow with military honors at the Laurel Veteran’s Cemetery at 2:00pm.  Dahl’s Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grizzly Scholarship Association or Love and SONshine Ministries (his beloved daughter-in-law’s ministry).