05/22/2026
Obituary
Larry L. Toms, age 76 of Perham, MN and Gilbert, AZ passed away on May 12, 2026.
He was born in Manchester, IA on January 5, 1950 to Merlyn and Bethel (Davis) Toms. He was raised and attended the United Methodist Church. He graduated from West Delaware School in 1968 and was highly active in sports, speech and drama in high school. Larry proudly graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, IA and earned a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology and Botany.
Larry loved working in wildlife and fisheries but worked in sales most of his working life especially insurance and telecommunications. He had a gift of high energy, positivity and could start conversations with anyone during his long career. Larry was an avid hunter, fisherman and enjoyed everything about the outdoors. When his sons were young, he coached their sports teams. In later years, Larry loved golfing, going to auctions and collecting old hunting memorabilia and trinkets. He enjoyed bird watching and traveling to see what was “on the other side of the hill”.
Larry enjoyed good coffee, wine and every kind of pastry/dessert. He enjoyed dogs almost every year of his life. He lived in many places over his lifetime, but Montana was his favorite by far. Larry found great meaning in volunteering in the NICU with the little babies for several years.
Larry met Susan in Des Moines, IA and they married on July 2, 1994 and celebrated 31 years of marriage.
Larry is survived by his wife, Susan Gill Toms; sons, Matthew (Adrian) of Surprise, AZ and Jesse (Alanna) of Gilbert, AZ; grandchildren, Alaziah (Lucas), Tate, Camden, Noah, Chloe; and great grandson, Oliver; sisters, Vicky (Jack) DeSotel, of Cedar Rapids, IA and Debra (Ron) Oliva, of Sun City, AZ; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Merlyn and Bethel; two brothers, Michael and Jeff; and niece, Alyssa.
Larry’s choice of a resting place will be in Montana at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Wounded Warriors Project, which Larry supported, a charity of your choice, or plant a tree in his memory to support the wildlife and wilderness which he loved dearly.
Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. Visitation will resume from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22 at Calvary Lutheran Church.
Larry will be dearly missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Larry L. Toms, please visit our flower store.
Make a donation to Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Larry L. Toms
