Dr. Larry Bruce Masten, 85, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024. Born on September 16, 1938, to John Bruce "JB" Masten, Jr. and Julia Mae Tarwater Masten. Larry grew up on a farm, spending his early years working alongside his family.  As a teenager, he joined his father, uncles, and brother on wheat harvests that took them from South Texas to the Canadian border. These experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a lifelong love for mechanics.

Larry graduated from Plainview High School in 1957, where he excelled in long-distance track events and basketball.  In May 1960, he married Yondell Bingham of Plainview.  He continued his education at Texas Tech University, where he earned his B.S.E.E. in 1961, his M.S.E.E. in 1964, and his Ph.D. in 1969. Deeply passionate about engineering and education, Larry dedicated his professional life to fostering success in others.

In 1969, Larry started the Engineering Technology program at Amarillo College, leading to an invitation to establish a similar program at Texas Tech University. He served as Chairman of the Engineering Technology Department at Texas Tech's College of Engineering from 1974 to 1996, and again from 2000 to 2007, retiring as Professor Emeritus. During his tenure, he served as Associate Dean of the College of Engineering, was active in the Faculty Senate as well as various boards and committees, and also co-authored the book Understanding Optronics with his brother Billy in 1981.  His contributions to the College of Engineering and the university were numerous, and his impact on students and colleagues was profound.

Larry's influence extended beyond the classroom. In 1980, he supported Keith McAuliffe, who would become Vice President and Chief Technologist of Hewlett Packard's Servers Global Business Unit, as Keith began his career as a co-op student at Texas Instruments, working on one of the earliest consumer computers, the TI 99/4A Home Computer. In the mid 1990's, Larry also worked as the Electrical Engineering Manager in the Surface Conditioning Division of FSI International, Inc. in Chaska, Minnesota, working with his long-time friend Dale Courtney.  Dale has remarked that Larry was one of the most uniquely gifted engineers he knew, possessing both the intellectual insight to know what should be done and the hands-on skill to finesse the outcome.

A man who preferred to stay out of the limelight, Larry's true joy came from seeing others succeed. His quiet dedication to helping those around him achieve their goals left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.  He was especially proud of the accomplishments of his wife, children, and their spouses, celebrating their achievements, particularly as they pursued higher education.  At home, he was known for serving his kids unusual meals when they were young and his wife Yondell worked the night shift as a nurse—like anchovies on crackers, much to their dismay, or peanut butter mixed with honey on crackers as an evening meal. These quirky, endearing moments reflect the simple, resourceful way Larry approached life and his deep love for his family.

Outside of his professional life, Larry enjoyed working on old and classic cars, fishing in Alaska and Minnesota, riding motorcycles, and spending time in the Colorado mountains. He loved dinner theater with his wife, playing 42 with family and friends, and solving crossword puzzles. Larry was also a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, where he served as a Deacon and a fifth-grade Sunday School teacher.

Larry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dr. Yondell Masten, and their four children: Gordon Bruce Masten (PhD, 1993 TTU) and wife Barbara (PhD 1993 TTUHSC) of Albuquerque, NM, Larry Bryan Masten and wife Teresa of Hale Center, TX, John Bingham Masten (PhD 1995 TTU) and wife Bonnie of Rowlett, TX, and Lari Beth Masten and husband Ronald Bass, of Castle Pines, CO. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Rachel Masten of Burleson, TX, Jared Masten and wife Ashley of Los Angeles, CA, Kathryn Masten of Albuquerque, NM, Jacob Masten of Albuquerque, NM, and Christopher Bass, and wife Lauren Maeder of Castle Pines, CO. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Billy Reese Masten and wife Sarah of Shallowater, TX, a nephew, numerous nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, John Bruce "JB" Masten, Jr. and Julia Mae Tarwater Masten, of Plainview.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 in the Lemons Memorial Chapel with Pastor Richard Harbison officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Larry's memory to the Dr. Larry B. Masten Scholarship Endowment at: https://rb.gy/iuecwo

Larry will be remembered for his humility, his dedication to helping others, and the quiet joy he found in life's simple pleasures. His family fondly recalls memories of wheat harvests, evenings in his lab, and the way he would ask, "What do you think you should do?" when approached for advice. He was a man who loved spending time in his barn, working on anything and everything, from cars to the many projects he always had going. Larry was a man who touched the lives of many, and his genuine smile and soft chuckle will be greatly missed by all who knew him.