James "Larry" Lawrence Milby, a proud Army veteran, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

To honor his wishes, cremation was chosen.

Graveside services will be held in the committal shelter at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island with the Reverend Tim Rust officiating. Military honors by the United Veterans Honor Guard.

Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home in Grand Island is entrusted with the arrangements.

He was born on April 2, 1944, to James Leonard Milby and Hazel Marie Hawks Milby. Larry grew up in Virginia and Florida. grew up with a profound sense of duty and honor. After graduating from Auburndale Senior High School in 1962, he enlisted in the service. He later earned a degree in Philosophy.

Larry enlisted in the United States Army on October 31, 1962; he served his country bravely during the Vietnam War. His courage, loyalty, and unwavering spirit during his service earned him the respect of his fellow soldiers, family members, and friends.

He was honorably discharged on June 18, 1966. He served as a Parachute Rigger and in Special Forces, earning the Parachutist Badge, Sharpshooter designation, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Bar, and National Defense Service Medal.

On July 12, 1968, he was united in marriage to Patricia Yoder in Dade City, Florida. They lived in Auburndale, FL, until 1995, when they later moved to Texas, Kansas, and finally settled in Nebraska.

He was an active member of the American Legion Post, where he found fellowship and continued to support his fellow veterans, DAV, and AMAC.

Larry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia Milby; his son, James M. Milby; his grandson, Kaden S. Milby; his daughter-in-law, Anayansi Milby; and his siblings: Dr. Laura D. Pletcher, Linda M. Milby, Gale Elaine Kirkland, Michael Edward Milby, Anthony Dwayne Milby, Dr. Timothy Eli Milby, Jenny Milby, Twanna Starnes, Danny L. Milby; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Leonard Milby and Hazel Marie Hawks Milby, and his siblings: Valery Milby, Judy A. Milby, Kenneth Milby, and Rena A. Milby.

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