Larry Joe Shellnut age 85 passed away on March 17, 2023 at his home in Oak View with his family by his side.
Larry was larger than life itself with his boisterous infectious laugh, a man who cared greatly for his fellow travelers on this earth. He can be defined as funny and kind, sugar and spice, a unique one of a kind character.
Larry was born in Long Beach, Ca on June 29, 1937 to Harrison and Doris Shellnut (Sullivan). Shortly after the beginning of WWII, the family moved to Ventura, Ca, where Larry attended Washington School. In the spring of 1943 the family moved to Leggett Valley in the California Redwood Country where he continued school from 1-12th grade, graduating in 1955. Larry joined the Navy in 1956 and served 4 years repairing the planes used in training pilots. While stationed at Moffett Field he helped dismantle one of the last Navy Blimps and was on the Football team along with his regular job of plane maintenance, In 1960 Larry left the Navy and went to work with his Uncle Charles Roberts in the construction industry and became a member of the Carpenters Union in Oxnard. Over the years, he worked with and enjoyed the fellowship of many of the builders of Ventura County. Larry and family moved to Oak View in 1962. He retired in 2002 and he and Peggy enjoyed 20 years of traveling the United States in their motor home with family and friends.
Larry was a Life member of the Old Time Fiddlers and played a mean stand-up base. He was a life member of the Ojai Valley Moose, was a Fellow degree member and Past Governor. He served on the Oak View Civic Council and became a member of the Oak View Recreation Commission, where he served for over 40 years. His primary functions were building and fundraising for the Oak View Community Center. He was the Honorary Mayor one year and was honored to be both Oak View Citizen of the Year and Ojai Valley Citizen of the year during the 80s.
Larry is survived by his wife Peggy whom he married in 1956, his son Mark Shellnut (Teresa Russell), daughter Jo Shellnut Buehler (Randy), grandchildren Bradley (Irene), Matthew and Cameron Shellnut, Avery and Kyra Buehler. He leaves behind his nieces Sandy Shellnut and Cindy Shellnut Long, Nephews
Terry and Kevin Shellnut and cousin Charles Roberts. He is predeceased by his son Brian, his brother Allen, his cousin Don Roberts, his parents and a multitude of friends.
There will be no services as per his wishes and his ashes will be interred in the historic Oak Hill Cemetery in Red Bluff with his mother-in-law and father-in-law. Memorial donations to your favorite charity are appreciated. We favor animal and human rights as well as environmental causes. Help of Ojai and Humane Society, Ventura County help our local communities.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to the Ventura County Sheriffs and Station 23 Ventura County Fire and Rescue for their care and compassion.
Arrangements are under the direction of JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 757 E Main Street. Ventura