Larry "Scoop" Kirpes

Larry (Scoop) Kirpes, 86, died peacefully in Pullman on October 7th after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 1st, 1936, and raised in Colton, son of Nick and Eva (Miller) Kirpes.  Growing up Larry worked several jobs with local farmers to support he and his father.   While attending Colton High School, Larry played football, baseball, and was a standout member of the boxing team compiling an 18-1 record and 1953 Tri-District champion.  He graduated in 1954.

After high school, Larry enlisted in the Army earning the rank of Private E2, the Good Conduct Medal, participation in Golden Gloves, and was honorably discharged on March 1st, 1957 at which time he returned back to Colton.

Upon returning home, Larry married Patricia Druffel on September 27th, 1958. Together they raised their three boys in Colton.  It was at this time that he began a 32 year career with the United States Postal Service, first serving as a letter carrier in Pullman and WSU, and the remaining years as the Rural Mail Carrier for Colton and Uniontown.  He was very proud of his service and could always be counted on to deliver the mail on time regardless of the weather conditions.  He retired on November 29, 1991. Upon retirement from the postal service he built and sold several homes in Colton.  Over the years Larry and Pat enjoyed raising their boys, time with family, attending all Colton sports functions, camping, traveling across the US., and serving as Hospice volunteers.

Following Pat's death in 1999, God blessed Larry with a second chance at love when he married Carole Becker on December 23rd, 2000.  They enjoyed travel, competing in car shows, time with their extended family, and watching Cougar Football and Gonzaga Basketball games.

Larry had multiple hobbies – competing in car shows, hunting with his sons and nephews, wine & sausage making, time in his shop producing metal figures, travel, and was a consistent entry into the annual Johnson 4th of July parade.  He was a member St. Galls Catholic Church, Colton Rural Fire Department, and a founder of the Colton Community Days.

Larry is survived by his wife, Carole; children Kelly (Kristal) Kirpes, Kris (Tami) Kirpes, Keith Kirpes; stepchildren Jeff (Barbara) Becker, Dave Becker, Marty (Roberta) Becker, Scott (Linda) Becker, Phyllis (Frank) Hauser, Jodi (John) Palmer-Rye.  Larry was a loving and devoted grandfather to 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife Pat; parents Nick & Eva; brothers Dick, Paul, Robert, James; sisters Catherine, Florence, Dolores, and Betty; and grandchildren, Chrystal, John, Bernie, and Dylan.

A rosary will be held on October 20th at (10:00AM at St. Galls Catholic Church in Colton, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 AM.  Graveside vault interment will follow at the St. Galls Catholic Cemetery.

The Kirpes and Becker family would like to send special thanks to the entire staff at Robville Adult Family Home in Pullman for the love and care you provided Larry over these past 6 months.  You are all very amazing and considered part of our family moving forward.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any charity of your choice, or St. Galls/St. Boniface Endowment Funds, Fire District 14, and any Alzheimer's or Hospice organization.

Larry, Dad, Grandpa – you have left an indelible mark on our lives and we are forever grateful for your unconditional love, support, wisdom, and memories.  May you rest easy in God's grace and love until we see you again.