Larry Wayne Unruh

A beautiful, smart, baby boy named Larry was born to Rufus and Sue Unruh in Enid, Oklahoma on Nov 22, 1951 at two minutes to noon on Thanksgiving Day. Some family members moved to Bethany, Oklahoma to work at the new Aero Design airplane factory, Rufus and Sue also followed. Baby sister, Connie, was born to the family a few years later. Larry enjoyed climbing trees, playing Alamo and army men with the neighborhood boys, also playing with turtles and horny toads. Both children attended Bethany Public Schools all 12 years. In grade school they would walk home for lunch; one of his favorite home lunches was shrimp. In high school he grew his hair to have bangs, influenced by current styles. His Mother took pictures since she was certain he would regret it when that went out of style. His first car was a ‘49 Cadillac which he had painted baby blue, since the body shop only had baby blue or orange. He then purchased a ’64 Impala and a ’65 Malibu. The family enjoyed camping vacations and as a young adult he took motorcycle/sailing vacations in the Ozarks.

Larry was always willing to work hard. One of his first jobs was a cook at the very popular West Oaks Drive In restaurant, a favorite for local high school kids. He worked long hours into the night. At age 16 his Mom saw a newspaper Manager she knew and asked him if he could use a 16 year old boy. Thus began his career with the Daily/Times/Sunday Oklahoman of which he retired from at age 62. He quickly became an assistant district manager, then manager successfully running one of the hardest districts in OKC. He moved up to the Oklahoman corporate office and ran various departments. He had the privilege of flying the corporate jet with Oklahoman owner. At Larry’s retirement speech his Mom's question was answered , “Yes, they could use a 16 year old boy.”

He married the wonderful, vivacious Cindy. Both grandparents were thrilled when Larry and Cindy’s beautiful daughter, Valerie, was born. The grandparents immensely enjoyed Valerie’s birthdays and holidays to the point Larry said he had to get a bigger house for all their presents.

During this time he and his brother in law, Lynn, took a spin at Lake Hefner on a small catamaran sail boat that was for sale. Even though during this spin the boat sank, Larry became hooked on sailing. He and his family enjoyed many years on his sail boat at Grand Lake. He was an avid sailor and would craft and sew his own sails and riggings.

He enjoyed staying in touch with his high school friends, especially Mike King. A ‘64 Chevy put a very big smile on his face.

Larry had a real knack for having excellent pets. He was very devoted to their training and they were devoted to him staying right by his side.

Larry went to be with our Lord on May 6, 2025. Our family is eternally grateful to Cindy for her constant love and care, giving up many nights of sleep to care for him. Larry was very thankful and loved Cindy and Valerie deeply. He is survived by his precious wife, Cindy, loving daughter, Valerie and Jimmy, grandson Camden, granddaughter Ainslee, Gracie (human in dog form), Kaelidie - cat, Piccalo - junior dog, brother in law Cary, brother in law Lynn, favorite niece Stephanie, and sister Connie. We are all looking forward to being reunited with Larry as we make Heaven our home.