Larry Andrew Phalen

A loyal loving husband and father

Larry Andrew Phalen, of Concord, North Carolina, passed away on September 23, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on April 30, 1943, in Bancroft, West Virginia, Larry lived a full life marked by devotion to his family, his country, and his faith.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, an experience that reflected the loyalty and commitment that defined the rest of his life. Those who knew him remember a man of sharp wit and quiet thoughtfulness, someone whose intelligence was matched only by his kindness. He had a gift for making others feel valued, and his sense of humor brought warmth to every room he entered.

Above all, Larry was a devoted husband and father. For fifty-nine years, he shared his life with his wife, Naomi Mitchell Phalen, building a partnership grounded in love and unwavering loyalty. As a father, he was steady, generous, and endlessly supportive, and his children carry with them the lessons and example he set.

In his leisure, Larry found joy in woodworking, patiently shaping creations with skill and care. He was also a passionate fan of West Virginia Mountaineer sports, a lifelong loyalty to his home state that he cherished and shared with those around him.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Phalen; his father, Merle Phalen; his brother, Merle Phalen; his sisters, Carolyn Mcgrew, Marylin Saunders, Ethel Moses, and Nena Elliot; and his granddaughter, Michaela Taylor.

He is survived by his loving wife, Naomi Phalen; his daughters, Patricia Taylor the wife of Tim Taylor living in Columbia, South Carolina and Andrea Harper the wife of David Harper in Concord, North Carolina; his son, David Phalen the husband of Christina Phalen in Morgantown, West Virginia; and his sisters, Bertha Phalen and Tena Phalen Dye. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Lynne Taylor, Elijah Taylor, Nathaniel Harper, Kennedy Harper, and Samantha Harper, as well as his great-granddaughter, Mabel Harper. Their lives were touched deeply by his love, and his memory will remain a treasured part of the family he held so dear.

A devout Christian, Larry lived his faith with sincerity and quiet strength. His belief in God guided his choices, comforted him through life's trials, and shaped the compassion he extended to others. Those who loved him find peace in the assurance that he now rests in the presence of the Lord he faithfully served.

A service to celebrate Larry's life will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Pitts Baptist Church located on Pitts School Road in Concord, NC. Family and friends are invited to gather at 2:00 PM in remembrance and to honor a life so well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Larry's memory to the Gideons International.

Larry Andrew Phalen will be remembered for his wit, his wisdom, and his steadfast love. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and in the countless lives he touched with his kindness and grace.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Phalen family.