Lawrence Clayton Giles
June 18, 1938 – December 8, 2020
Lawrence Clayton Giles was born on June 18, 1938 in McGill, Nevada to Perry and Loraine Giles. He passed into the arms of the Lord on December 8, 2020 in Omaha, Nebraska where he and his wife have lived for the past 37 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Nancy Giles Rasmussen and Vicki Giles. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Davidson Giles, his ten children and their spouses: Steven and Cherene Giles, Terry and Caryl Giles, Sheila and Blair Bateman, Lorilee and Daniel Reinhardt, Leon and Geraldine Giles, Elaine and Greg Smith, Elizabeth North, John and Holly Giles, Sherrie and Jay Johnson, and Janice Swilor, his fifty grandchildren, eleven grandchildren added through marriage, ten great-grandchildren, as well as his four brothers and their spouses: Leon and Erika Giles, David and Diane Giles, Dennis Giles, and Victor Giles.
Larry lived a life full of service and love towards others. He was a man of great faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ and as a young man he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico where he learned to speak fluent Spanish. He married Dorothy Davidson, his high school sweetheart, on September 15, 1961 and shortly after was drafted into The United States Army where he served for two years. He was never without a smile and a kind word. He was a teacher by profession but retirement never slowed down his joy and enthusiasm for teaching others. His family was his greatest delight and he was a caring and faithful husband, a fun loving and wise father, and a playful and doting grandfather and great grandfather. He was an enthusiastic fan of college sports, especially the Nebraska Huskers and BYU, his alma mater.
Larry’s passion for teaching and his ability to love and care for others had a lasting impact on many. He volunteered his time and his talents to serve faithfully in every capacity he was called to serve within his church. The last fourteen years of his life were spent as a Sealer working in The Winter Quarters Temple to bind families together forever in this life as well as sealing them in the eternities to come. It was his great joy to be an instrument to seal many couples and families together for time and all eternity, including many of his grandchildren. He had a tremendous love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, and Larry lived a life that showed his love and commitment to the Lord. He was genuine and will be remembered for his great lessons, booming voice, wise advice, playful sense of humor, and heavenly hugs. He was truly a friend to many and will never be forgotten.
Private Funeral Service for immediate family members only: January 6, 10:00 a.m. in Omaha, NE. Interment: Omaha National Cemetery January 6, 2:00pm with military rites by U.S. Army and American Legion Post #331.
To view a live broadcast of the Services, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the home page.
27 Comments
Brother Giles was a delight to be around. He will be missed beyond measure and I know he is busy doing the Lord’s work beyond the veil! He followed the Savior in every way possible. We can’t wait to see you again!! We grieve with your family and pray for the Lord’s comforting hand at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great son of God to all people.
My prayers are for the family at this time. Although we know we will all meet again in the next life, the loss of a loved one in this life is still very painful. My family and I grew to love him through his son Leon who served here in Florida as a young missionary and shared with us his love for his father. He was a great man and father and raised a wonderful family that has blessed the lives of many.
You will be missed Larry. My heart and thought go out to your wonderful family…
Going to miss all those times when we would get together. You were the biggest kid in the group. May God Bless, Dorothy and all the children and theirs.
We are sorry for your loss. We love Sheila and Blair and family and know you and your loved ones will find comfort and have wonderful memories of the past and hope for the next life and all the joyful reunions coming in the future.
He is greatly missed
Very sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort through this time.
We are sorry for your loss and our loss. Larry touched lives in a special way, our prayers are for your family during this time of testing. Cherish his memory we will.
Was so sorry to hear about Brother Giles. We will miss him! Love and prayers for all of your family.
You will be sorely missed. A treasured friend
To Dorothy and all of your family,
I loved serving for eight wonderful years in the Winter Quarters Temple with Larry and Dorothy. I always looked forward to his big smile and the wisdom he shared that truly deepened my testimony of the gospel. He sealed some of my family to me, and I will be forever grateful for the love he showed for each of them and me. He was truly doing God’s work and will be greatly missed on this earth. I know he continues his work and will be ever watchful over you Dorothy, and your beautiful family. Many heartfelt prayers, Lynn Jaros
Sister Giles and family.
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are for you!
Nita and Robert Kelly
Larry–a great family man, Church leader, educator, and ambassador of good will to all in his path of service. Our love to all the family of Larry and Dorothy. Bob and Debbie Omer
I am saddened to hear of Larry passy. We all had such good times back in the 50s. Doeso seem that long ago, until I look in the mirror. Wonderful memories and friendships to hold onto. I pray for you to receive comfort and healing during this difficult time
.loving thoughts ,
Sherrie Kjdf Scigg
I am saddened to hear of Larry passy. We all had such good times back in the 50s. Doeso seem that long ago, until I look in the mirror. Wonderful memories and friendships to hold onto. I pray for you to receive comfort and healing during this difficult time
.loving thoughts ,
Sherrie Kjdf S
So saddened to hear of Larry’s passing
Sending love and prayers to you and your family
Sherrie Kidd Scott
Sister Giles,
I am so grateful to have know Bishop Giles. He was one of my mentors who helped me gain a knowledge of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I will keep you in my prayers. May Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ bless you with comfort and peace. I love you and Bishop Giles, thank you for rescuing me.
Love,
Steve
Brother Giles always put a smile on my face when we’d see him at the temple or church. He sealed Scott and I and because of him I got to kiss Scott across the alter twice because he said the first time “wasn’t good enough”. I appreciate his guidance and love, but also his humor and joy. Heaven gained a mighty angel.
Larry Giles was a very fine, well prepared, insightful teacher He asked thoughtful questions both as a teacher and as a class member. He listened well. He bore a sincere testimony and understood real service and priesthood power. I was blessed to home teach in his home and felt his kind, thoughtful, fun-loving, value conscious, loving leadership. I consider him a friend and know that in the eternities we will meet again. May you continue to be blessed Dorothy and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. -K. Andrus
Condolences to the entire family for such a great loss! He will be missed by so many who served and worked with him in various capacities, but beyond his great love of the Lord, his love for family was always so evident. Sending hugs to you!
Brother Giles was an important friend an mentor,likely the best gospel teacher we ever knew. His warm an friendly personality made him a friend to everyone he knew. You could tell that Jesus Christ was important to him by the way he lived. A lasting example to all of us.
My prayers and thoughts are with the entire family. I’m sorry for your lose . He is and Was a great man. He will be greatly missed.
I miss Brother Giles heartfelt greetings and love.
All our love and prayers to the family.
I am sending my sympathy to Dorothy and the entire family. Larry will be greatly missed. Craig and I always enjoyed being around him. He could always cheer up an event. Also loved seeing you both in the temple frequently. You all had such strong testimonies, and were a great influence on many people. I was hoping you would have a viewing. I would love to see all of the family. l would certainly like to see Elaine–Wendy’s good friend and room mate at BYU, and Liz, and Holly–all my girls from when I was in YW. Also Lori and Dan–such a great Stake Pres. Dorothy. call me when you just need to talk!
Brother Giles was such a wonderful teacher, leader, mentor. He treated me and others so well. What a great example of the Savior.
It was a beautiful service. Brother Giles was so fun and generous with kindness. He and all your family have been lights along the shore. Your love and testimonies shine bright. Love to you all!
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