Larry August Paschel, 92, passed away Tuesday in Llano TX. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, kindness, and people who were better simply because they knew him.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lucille Paschel; his first wife, Myra Joe Paschel; his daughter, Jill Paschel; and his sister, Joan Harwell.
Born on November 11, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri, Larry grew up on the family farm in Vega, Texas, alongside his brother Mike, known as “little bud”, and sister Joan. Judging by the stories told over the years, their mother Lucille deserves honorary sainthood for surviving the adventures of raising them all.
Larry attended Adrian School through the 6th grade before going on to Price College in Amarillo, where he graduated in 1952. After graduation, he worked on the family farm and later at Gaston’s in Hereford before being drafted into the United States Army in 1956.
Larry proudly served during the Korean War from 1956– 1957 on the 38th Parallel, where he studied radiological monitoring. During his service, he earned the Marksman Badge for rifle and the Good Conduct Medal — fitting honors for a man known for both steadiness and character. After returning home, he continued serving in the Army Reserves for four more years.
Once back in Hereford, Larry began what would become a lifelong career at the post office. He served as head window clerk until retiring in 1999, and if you lived in Hereford during those years, chances are Larry knew your name, your family, and probably asked how everybody was doing. He took great pride in his work, but more than that, he genuinely loved people.
Larry was a devoted husband to Myra Joe Paschel until her passing, and later spent many loving years alongside Kathy Paschel, who faithfully and tenderly cared for him until the Lord called him home. Through every season of life, Larry loved deeply and steadfastly.
After retirement, Larry somehow became even busier. During Christmas, he became Santa Claus and Saint Nick for organizations throughout Hereford, Canyon, Amarillo, and Llano. Kids naturally adored him because there was something genuine and warm about Larry.
And if you knew Larry very long, you probably knew about the ice cream.
His homemade ice cream became legendary among family and friends and was often the most requested dessert at birthday parties for grandchildren and their friends. Larry never minded making batch after batch if it meant bringing people together. From time to time, he was also known to “improve” the recipe by spiking it a little for the adults.
In true Larry fashion, he also proudly earned 1st Place in the Llano County Freeze-Off, a title he certainly never minded people remembering.
More than any award or accomplishment, though, Larry was known for showing up. He was fiercely loyal to his family and rarely missed a football game, soccer game, cheer event, school function, holiday gathering, or anything else involving the people he loved. If his kids or grandkids were there, Larry was probably already in the stands — likely smiling, teasing somebody, and fully invested in every moment.
If you ask his grandchildren what made Poppy/Papaw truly unforgettable, though, they won’t start with his résumé. They’ll start with the “sayings” Larry had a special talent for lovingly aggravating the people he adored most. If Jake or Wyatt ever dared say they were bored, his immediate response was: “If you need something to do, I’ve got some rocks in the yard that need picked up.”
At every meal — especially dessert — you could count on: “You gonna finish that?” followed shortly by: “I got the smallest piece.”
His margarita or budweiser disappeared in approximately two minutes, usually followed by: “There wasn’t much in there.”
And according to Larry, there was never — and we mean NEVER — enough gravy at River Smith’s.
His granddaughter Ellen especially remembers the steady reminders: “Did you change your oil?”
“Watch out for deer.”
And his classic: “I’m just talkin’” Larry never seemed to judge anyone. He was quick to lend a helping hand, slow to complain, and carried an easy gentleness that made people feel comfortable around him. His heart was as good as gold, he loved Jesus and he loved people — often more than they deserved. He saw the humor in life, the good in others, and somehow made ordinary moments feel memorable.
Simply put, everyone needs a Larry in their life.
And we are so blessed that he was ours.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Kathy Paschel; his daughters Devany Paschel and Rachel Corcorran; son-in-law John Corcorran; brother Mike Paschel, grandchildren Ellen Ellis, Jakob Self, Sarah Self, Wyatt Corcorran, Adelyn Corcorran, Maggie Lioce and husband Bryan, Krystal Bippus and husband Kendall; along with great-grandchildren and many others who will miss his humor, wisdom, steady presence, and loving heart every single day.
Graveside Service will be on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM at West Park Cemetery in Hereford with Father Grant Spinhirne as celebrant. Visitation will be on Friday, prior to graveside, from 1:00 – 2:30 PM at Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home in Hereford.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Larry’s honor to St. Anthony’s Catholic School, 114 Sunset Dr., Hereford, Texas, 79045 or a charity of your choice.