Larry Wayne Cole of Ada, Oklahoma passed away Friday, January 6 ^th , 2023 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis disease.  Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Larry managed his illness with strength and courage and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible.  On his final day, he was surrounded by his wife and children, who he adored more than anything else in the world.

Larry was born in Sulphur, Oklahoma on February 19, 1945.  A 1963 graduate of Stratford High School, Larry was a successful baseball and basketball player.  He remained close with his classmates where they liked to reminiscence often about their senior year and the State Championship basketball game.

After graduation, Larry moved to Ada where he attended East Central University and met the love of his life.  On April 22, 1967 he married Jeanne Prater.

He opened the first drive thru convenience store in Ada, known as Larry's Beep and Buy.  He successfully expanded the business to a total of five stores.  In 1972, he relocated to Norman and began his sales career selling heavy construction equipment.  Larry moved back home to Ada in 1981 where he started his own irrigation company called Professional Lawn Sprinklers.  In the early 90's he was encouraged by colleagues to go back into selling heavy construction equipment for Darr Equipment, the Caterpillar Dealer for Oklahoma.  At Darr, he was very successful and won many awards while making lifelong friends.  In 2011, Larry and his son Michael started their own equipment sales and rental business, Cole Equipment, Inc.

Larry held many titles in his life from coach to salesman, but his favorite role was being a father and papa.  He loved nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He was always there for them, whether he was coaching a baseball team, filming a cheerleading practice or yelling at the referees from the stands.

Larry is survived by his wife, Jeanne of 55 years, his daughter, Jina Crockett and her husband Cory, his son Michael and wife Amy.  He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Cole, Cash and Cate Crockett, and Campbell and Wyatt Cole.  Others include sister Betty Townsend and brother Gary Cole, nieces and nephews include Tony Cole, Linda Townsend, Ronnie Townsend, Jennifer Bynum and Jerry Cole and numerous other extended family members.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Marie Cole, brother Billy Don Cole, granddaughter Claire Crockett, nephew Billy Cole and cousin Carolyn Shugart Hall.

Aside from his love for Oklahoma Sooners, Larry was passionate about helping others.  He was always greeting people with a smile and making sure you knew he genuinely cared for you.

Funeral services will begin at 2 pm January 13 ^th 2023 at the First Methodist Church in Ada, Oklahoma.  A celebration of life reception will follow at the church.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

"People will never forget how you made them feel…"

Maya Angelou