Larry Dean Garvin, a longtime resident of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, at the age of 82, at Kingfisher Mercy Hospital. He was surrounded by his son, Scott, and daughters, Becky and Brandi, along with their respective partners. His passing was preceded by a two-day vigil filled with love, cherished memories, music, and closure.
Larry was born on September 5, 1942, to W.O. and Opal D. (Seright) Garvin in Hollis, Oklahoma. He grew up in the LaCasa School district, where he attended grade school. The family later moved to Altus, where Larry attended junior high and graduated from Altus High School in 1960. Shortly after graduation, Larry began working as a butcher at the Bunker Hill United Meat Market in Altus.
In 1965, Larry was drafted into the U.S. Army and soon found himself deployed to Vietnam. Stationed in Da Nang, Larry drove truck convoys, delivering supplies to military posts while dodging hostile fire during numerous ambushes. On one occasion, he was injured when a bamboo spear struck his back, near his right shoulder blade. During his service, Larry was awarded the Bronze Service Star and an Expert Marksmanship Medal, among several other honors.
After returning home in 1968, Larry settled in South San Francisco, where he worked as a postal route carrier, driving semi-trucks throughout the Bay Area. He later moved back to Oklahoma, where he returned to his roots as a butcher. In the 1980s, Larry moved to Kingfisher, where he became a familiar face at United Supermarket and later IGA, where he was especially well-known.
After his career in the meat industry, Larry transitioned into the bar business, working at several establishments in Kingfisher. He particularly enjoyed his time managing the Elks Lodge, where he made many lifelong friends. Larry also loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and enjoyed hobbies like hunting, fishing, bowling, and billiards.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Eddie Glen Garvin. He is survived by his son, Scott Garvin; his daughters, Becky (Garvin) Lambrecht and Brandi (Garvin) Cortez; multiple grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
In lieu of services, the family asks that those wishing to honor Larry’s memory consider making a donation to Veteran Flags by Vets, an organization dedicated to providing flags for veterans. Donations can be made via the following methods:
CashApp: $VeteranFlagsByVets
Venmo: @Flags4Vets
Checks or money orders can be mailed to:
Veteran Flags by Vets
6907 S. Sooner Rd
Guthrie, OK 73044
For more information, visit: veteranflagsbyvets.com
Under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.
