Larry was born April 17, 1938 at Saginaw, Michigan to Clyde Douglas and Maudie Theodotta (Loy) Betts.　 He grew up and attended school there, graduating from high school at Saginaw.　 His love of the outdoors began at an early age, hunting and fishing with his father.　 As a young man, he began his career as a building inspector working for the City of Saginaw.　 He married Beverly Gayle Brown in 1956 and they had seven children, later divorcing.　 On May 8, 1969 he married Dixie Coffin.　 During those years he worked as a building inspector for the city and as a reserve sheriff in Saginaw. Larry was a gun instructor, endorsed by the NRA, while continuing his outdoor activities and inspection work.

　 In 1978 they moved to Moscow when he accepted a position with the same city as a building inspector.　 He also taught as a guest instructor for classes at the University of Idaho related to building codes and inspection and was the inspector for the City of Elk River.　 He and Dixie began their business, Betts Building Inspections and Consulting, and following his retirement from the City of Moscow, devoted his energies to that.　 He had turned the business over to his son, Kerry, and they continue to operate it currently.

　 Larry was an avid outdoorsman all his life, and was always willing to try anything at least once.　 These included dune buggies, motorcycle touring, white water rafting, lake and ocean boating, hiking, snowmobiling and boating the San Juan Islands.　 Larry was also well known for his meat processing, cooking and "entertaining with food" abilities.

　 He is survived by his wife, Dixie, at their Troy home, and his children, Lawrence Jr. (and Sandy) of Lawrenceville, Georgia; Daniel (and Jocelyn) of Allendale, Michigan; Michael (and Cynthia) of Lowell, Michigan; Gayle (and Mark) Scott of Camas, WA; Kerry (and Karen) of Moscow, ID; Jeffrey (and Tracy) of Jacksonville, FL; Douglas of Brandon, Wisconsin, Lisa (and Mark) Kraloski of Spring, Texas, as well as 21 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Kricher and a brother, Charles.

　 A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 10th at 10:30 AM at Short’s Funeral Chapel in Moscow.

　 The family suggests memorials be made to the Hope Center in Moscow or "The Arc" of Latah County.