Lorenzo Utrera

Lorenzo "Larry" Utrera, 73, of Denham Springs, LA, was suddenly summoned into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at 3:30 pm at his residence.

Larry was born February 2, 1944, in Guatemala City, Guatemala. From a young age, he was an excellent student in school and liked to play his guitar. He graduated from the top school in his native country, the Don Bosco Academy, in 1958. His talents were evident to his sisters who convinced him to begin the journey to the United States, solo, at the age of 16!! The bright brave young man immediately started attending classes at Archbishop Jesuit, and in 1960 Larry enrolled at Tulane University. He took classes during the day, and with no outside financial support he worked 7 nights a week in a hot, humid paper bag packaging and shipping warehouse to pay his tuition and books. In 1964, Larry graduated with an Architecture Degree from Tulane amazingly without ever receiving or borrowing any money. Beginning in 1965, Larry embarked on tough start but his drive determination and brilliant mind paved the way for A very successful career which included designing, construction and or remodeling of such companies as Eckerds Drug Stores, H.J. Wilson Jewelers, Little General Stores, Parson-Fleming, Keesler Air Force Base, Isadore Newman School and many more. He semi-retired in 2010, only to return As C.A.O. of Baton Rouge Physical Medicine in 2011.

Larry supported many charities, most notably First United Methodist Church of Denham Springs, Nursing Homes in and around Livingston and the Livingston Veterans Association. He was also an active supporter of the Livingston Food Pantry as well as Senior Citizens Electrical Assistance. He donated hundreds of Citrus trees to Livingston area Nursing Homes and Veterans homes in Livingston.

His hobbies were watching movies all night on weekends with his wife Suzanne, helping those less fortunate, and spending time with his shiz-szu dog and companion of 15 years Sir Lucky until Sir Lucky passed away on December 27, 2016

He is survived by his wife, soul mate, and best friend of 35 years, Suzanne King Utrera, who wrote, "Today my life has changed forever. I have lost my best friend and soul mate this afternoon of 34 years. When Larry died peacefully at home after a short very difficult medical problem. He was to the end the best of the best husband possible and always very nearby to me. We spent time every day working together and being together enjoying new challenges that by faith we always did overcome medical issues-one helping the other. He was a very devout Christian man who loved God and we would help many in need less fortunate to make better others' lives. Though I will cherish the 34 years of our happy life--I will meet him again in heaven-on God's timing. I will truly miss our life that so many never attain the joy and love we shared one to each other. He lived a structured life of kindness like no one else could imagine. I shared the many times we helped strangers when they ask-no matter how hard it may have been for us no one knew. God keep Larry safe and allow him to enjoy all his family and his favorite companion-Sir Lucky Utrera (shih tzu). Peace be with me and all the family as we travel this road of such sorrow. Although I am very strong--a part of me has left way too soon a tremendous hole in my heart. I thank each of you for caring and feel free to share on my page any life treasures that you had with Larry--and make laughter because that is what he would want."

He is also survived by his daughter Bridgette Lowe and husband Bill of Watson, LA, his sons, Glen M Clark III and wife Mai of Prairieville, La, Wade Utrera and Robert Utrera of Gonzales, La; his grandchildren Kaleb Glen Clark and Fiancé' Amber Ann Graves, Brandon Orillion, Victoria Orillion, and Suzannah Mai Clark, his great-grandchildren, Scarlett Richard, and Harper Rynn Clark; and his sister, Adela.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Sr. and Adela Utrera; his brother Jose Utrera, Jr; and his sisters, Eugenia and Sylvia. He is also preceded in death by his pet doggies, "Loqee", "Spike", and,most recently his favorite "Sir Lucky".

Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, on Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Visitation will resume on Friday, March 24, 2017 from 12:00 pm until service at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow. Services will be officiated by Pastor Jacqueline King, and assisted by the pastor of FUMC in Denham Springs, and a family friend, Pastor Malcolm Richard of Journey Church in Prairieville.

Pallbearers will be, Andrew "Andy" Chustz, BRPD Sgt.Chad King, Kaleb Glen Clark, Dr. Patrick Martello, Donnie Gales, Brandon Orillion, L.S.P. Sgt. Michelle King Arbour, and Marty Mitchell.

Friends and Family are also encouraged to sign the online guestbook and or share your memories of Larry Utrera with our family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Thursday, March 23, 2017
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Friday, March 24, 2017
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Service

Service

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Friday, March 24, 2017
2:00 pm

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816