Larry Traub

Oda L. “Larry” Traub, a long time resident of Edmond, Ok, passed away November 29, 2014, after a long fight with Lewy body dementia. He was 77 years old. Larry was born September 2, 1937, in Moline, Illinois, and was the only son of the late Oda A. Traub & Margaret Jean (Traub) Gearhardt Survivors include his wife, Judith L. Traub; son David Henderson and wife Coree; daughter Liz Kuhlhorst and husband Matt; son Bart Henderson; sister Eileen Yumiko Finias and husband John; grandchildren Tyler Henderson, Anna Elise Henderson, Heather Kuhlhorst, Laura Kuhlhorst, and Kate Henderson.

He attended school in Woodward, OK, working summers for the family wheat combining business, and joined the United States Air Force at the age of 18. He was a member of Security Services and as a talented CW (Morse Code) Radio Intercept Operator, Larry served his country honorably during the Cold War in Okinawa, Germany and Turkey. He worked for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (Oklahoma Highway Patrol) while earning his BA in English and Spanish at Central State University, in Edmond, and began teaching in Tahlequah, OK. He went on to earn his MS in Guidance and Counseling from Northeastern State University, in Tahlequah, and served his fellow Oklahomans for 35 years at the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitative Services.

Larry met Judi, the love of his life, in 1972 at the home of a friend. At the time, he was earning a psychometry certificate in order to further his career in education and, as part of his class work, had the opportunity to test Judi's three children. Following a very short courtship, he married Judi, had a ready-made family, and they spent 42 wonderful years together rearing the children, doting on grandchildren, and loving their special chihuahua, Poquita. Larry was a wonderful father and friend who loved camping in the mountains, fishing anywhere you could drop a line, and the camaraderie of the Edmond Amateur Radio Society, always impressing with his military-grade CW skills!

Most of all, Larry was always there when you needed him. Standing tall at 6’4”, he was a kind and gentle man who would “give it to you straight”, always passionate about helping people and a true advocate for the underdog.

To those of you who helped Larry over the years while he battled this terrible disease with great courage, you were there for him and Judi when they needed you most, and we are forever grateful for your friendship, kindness, and loving care. Special thanks are extended to Bob & Marilyn Ellsworth, Sid & Mary Ann Brown, David & Donna Henderson, Jim & Gayle Thorpe, the Reese family, Dr. Terrill Hulson , and Epworth-At-Home.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., at the Baggerley Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond with a reception immediately following. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Fairfax Cemetery in Fairfax, OK.