Obituary

Larry Arthur Matheny was born on February 24, 1943, to Beauford (Bill) and Pauline (Polly) Matheny in Juneau, Alaska.

After Larry graduated from Juneau Douglas High School he went on to study Art and Design in Colorado before returning to Juneau and enlisting in the Army National Guard. During his 6-year enlistment Larry was briefly married to his first wife and had his son Lon Wayne Matheny.

In 1971 Larry met Shirley Birchell in Juneau, Alaska, and they married on June 2, 1972, and together they raised her five children Ed, Darcy, Curt, Greg and Kara. While in Juneau Larry worked as a salesman at Lyles Home Furniture.

In 1980 Larry and Shirley moved the family to Petersburg, Alaska, where they owned Tatters, a clothing and shoe store. In 1985 they bought the Harbor Bar and Liquor Store where Larry worked until his retirement.

During retirement Larry enjoyed his boat, motorhome, working on his cabin in Duncan Canal, traveling, walking, riding his bike and 'cruising' in his truck. Larry was an active board member with the Salvation Army and sat on the Harbor board for several years.

Larry passed away on April 20, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Polly Matheny; granddaughter, Karinna M. Caples; grandson, Jordan M. Birchell; and son-in-law, Donald Caples.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Shirley Matheny; his son Lon (Lisa) Matheny; adopted daughter, Kara (Ray) Wesebaum; stepchildren, Edward (Marsha) Birchell, Darcy Caples, Curt (Kristi) Birchell, and Greg (Dianne) Birchell; brother, Wayne (Marilyn) Matheny; and 34 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at the Petersburg Lighthouse Church on August 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army, an organization Larry felt strongly about.