Larry Gordon Backus
Mar 21, 1937 – Nov 3, 2020
Surrounded by his family beloved father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, Larry Gordon Backus passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 in Webster, Texas at the age of 83. He was born March 21, 1937 to Clare L. and May M. Backus of Potterville, MI, where he grew up on the family farm. “Chief”, as he was known to his home-town friends, was co-valedictorian of his Potterville high school graduating class and remained an active alumnus, connecting graduates and teachers over many years.
Although he originally planned to manage the family farm, after he married Shirley A. Heinze and started a family, he decided to change the course of his future by completing a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Michigan State University while working two jobs to support his family. His desire to be part of the space program took him to Titusville, Florida then to the Houston area, where he resided for over 50 years. He was passionate about the U.S. Space Program and contributed to human space programs including Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle and Space Station, working for Mc Donald Douglas, Link Flight Simulation and successive companies for 40 years in training and simulation. He also served as the project manager to develop the software for a training simulator for the U.S. Airforce B-52 aircraft while earning his MBA from the University of Houston Clear Lake.
As a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he left a strong legacy and inspiration in the importance of education and strong work ethic. He always remained a devoted provider and supporter of his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers Wayne Backus, Richard Backus, Caryl Backus and Neil Backus; and granddaughter Ruby Backus. He is survived by his children Linda Retherford and husband David, James Backus and wife Nikki, David Backus and wife Christina, and Lisa Backus; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A private family service will be held at Crowder funeral home on November 14. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the American Heart Association, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Foundation, the Cure and Action for Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff (CATS) Foundation and the Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) Foundation.
My condolences and prayers to Linda, David and all of the Backus family. I worked with Larry for many years, and I can say that I have never met a smarter person. I always appreciated Larry’s dedication and intellect. He was a great problem solver and always inspired me to work smarter, as well as harder. I remember how busy we were when he was working on his MBA, but he just kept on working and solving problems. He was a mentor and inspiration to always be better. He will be missed.
My condolences to Linda, Dave and the entire Backus family. Larry was a great friend and colleague for many years.
i am very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. During one of the lunches at Skipper’s, Larry told me he was the Link person that actually hired me or approved my hiring way back in 1977. For that, I will always be grateful. Rest in peace Larry, and thank you.
I am sorry for your loss. I remember him well. May he rest in piece.
He was a fine mentor and good friend. May he rest in peace. To the family, I am so sorry for your loss.
My sympathy and condolences to Larry’s family. God bless you all and give you His peace.
Larry was a great person. He always was there when I needed his advice. He maintained his opinions with calm and respected engineering expertise.
I’ll always remember him. Linda & Dave I’m sorry for your loss. I wish I could have traded stories with him before he passed.
An engineer’s engineer. Larry was my first supervisor when I started my career at NASA in 1973. He also became a valued friend over the next 27 years as I transitioned in and out of the aerospace arena. God rest your soul, Larry. As the Eastern Orthodox Christians put it, may your memory be eternal.