Larry Joe Kelly

Larry Joe Kelly, age 79, of Tuttle, Oklahoma, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2025 at his home in Tuttle, Oklahoma.

Larry Joe Kelly was born on October 16, 1945, in Hamilton, Texas, the eldest of three sons born to Velma and Joe Kelly. Growing up in Stephenville, Texas, Larry quickly developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility. At just ten years old, he spent summers with his grandparents, where he assisted his grandfather on the farm. Even at that young age, he was dependable and hard-working, delivering newspapers in the mornings before spending the rest of the day helping around the house.

During his teenage years, Larry discovered a love for music. He and his friends formed a band in high school, and he enjoyed playing the guitar, a talent that would bring him joy for years to come. After graduating from high school, he entered the workforce, taking a job at a variety store where he honed his skills in customer service and retail. However, in 1969, his path took a new direction when he was drafted into the United States Army. With great pride, he served his country with dedication and honor in Vietnam, an experience that shaped his values and his deep appreciation for service and patriotism.

In 1974, fate led Larry to meet Debby Keener while at work. The two quickly formed a strong friendship, bonding over shared interests and a love of adventure. Their connection blossomed into love, and on November 7, 1975, they were married in Fort Worth, Texas. As a couple, Larry and Debby embraced life with an adventurous spirit, frequently traveling together. They especially loved trips to Las Vegas, where they enjoyed concerts, dinners and entertainment. But their true passion was motorcycles, and together, they rode across the country, exploring the United States from coast to coast. Their journeys created cherished memories filled with laughter, breathtaking sights, and the thrill of the open road.

Larry was a loving father, deeply supportive of his children's lives. He never missed a sporting event, cheering from the sidelines with pride. Beyond sports, he was a hands-on teacher, sharing his knowledge and skills with his children. He taught them how to fish, how to work on cars, and even how to build furniture, passing down both practical skills and life lessons about patience, craftsmanship, and perseverance.

As a grandfather, Larry was just as involved, if not more. He shared his love of classic cars with his grandsons, spending hours working on his 1971 Dodge Charger, teaching them the intricacies of engines, mechanics, and restoration. Fishing trips became a tradition, creating lasting memories of early mornings by the water, storytelling, and the excitement of a big catch. Every summer, he would jump in the pool with his grandkids, teaching them how to swim and making sure they had fun while learning. His presence in their lives was a source of strength, wisdom, and love.

Larry’s life was one of service, adventure, and family. He was a man who believed in hard work, the importance of passing down knowledge, and the value of shared experiences. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the memories he created with those who were fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years Debby Kelly; daughter Deanna Mayes and husband Monty; son Michael Kelly and wife Jill; son Scott Kelly; daughter Kayla Glenn and husband Ty; grandchildren Blake, Jacob, Mackenzie, Breanna, Riley, Daxton, Berkley, Makaylin, Luke; great grandchildren Kal, Roper, Motley, Zeppelin, Ozzy, Mariyah, Maycie; brother Roger Kelly; brother Kenneth Kelly; chosen brother Ken Praytor and many nieces and nephews

He is preceded by his parents.