Larry Deermer

Larry Joseph Deermer was born October 17th, 1944 in San Bernardino, CA to Joseph and Kathleen Deermer. He was the second of five rambunctious boys and lived in Big Bear, CA until the age of 7 when his family moved San Bernardino, CA. He attended St. Anne’s Catholic School in his elementary years and moved on to attend Aquinas Catholic High School, paying for a portion of his own tuition through odd jobs.

Larry would help his dad out on construction sites from the time he was 12 years old and, in the process, developed a love for big equipment. He served the in the army national guard after graduating from high school and took classes at San Bernardino Valley College. In the 1960s and 70s he was involved in the Knights of Columbus at St Anne’s in San Bernardino. He obtained his pilot’s license in the early 80s and frequently made impromptu day trips to Catalina and Laughlin as well as venturing to other destinations in various states. During the 1980s he was very active in the Hesperia Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, and enjoyed being involved in the community. He was honorary mayor during the time of incorporation of Hesperia and later assisted in the development of Victor Valley Museum.

Larry married in 1971 and had two daughters. He started Silverado Homes, building numerous homes throughout the High Desert in the 70s and 80s, including his own. He later transitioned into constructing multiple industrial buildings in Hesperia. He divorced and later married, Paula, and continued in various construction-related businesses. He and Paula eventually landed in Lake Havasu, AZ and together they explored the states, taking cross-country road trips, venturing into several National Parks. They hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon 3 times, ziplined in Yellowstone, went white water rafting in the Rouge River, went swimming with sharks and stingrays in Tahiti, and kayaked in Jenny Lake at the base of the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone Lake, and Lake Havasu, AZ. In his later years, he did seasonal work in Yellowstone, arriving in April and departing in October. For those ten years he and Paula were able to host multiple friends and family members, sharing the hidden treasures and personal insight into all the highlights the park has to offer.

Larry made friends wherever he would go, he always enjoyed helping people, and was clearheaded in emergency situations. Most notably, he saved his youngest daughter’s life when she was almost 3 years old by giving her CPR after finding her unconscious in the pool. He assisted people after witnessing car accidents and regularly took the time to help out after observing problematic issues, such as a flat tire in the parking lot. He had a wealth of knowledge and skills and was willing to teach anyone who was open to learn.

Larry took his last breath on January 26th, 2024 as his daughters held his hands. He is survived by his brothers, Jim, John, and Kenny, his wife, Paula, daughter, Raychelle, her husband, Brian, their children, Amanda and Dylan, and daughter, Coleen, stepdaughter, Kim, her sons, Nick, Dola, Will, Tristan, and Levi, stepdaughter Michelle, her husband, Alan, their children, Jenna and Eldon, and stepson, James, his wife Donna, and their children, Samantha, Alyssa, Kace, and Cody. He is also survived by 4 step great grandchildren, 9 nieces, their spouses, 11 great nieces, 8 great nephews and several great great nieces and nephews.