Larry Calvin Collier
1933-2015
Our beloved Larry Calvin Collier left this earth on November 8, 2015 after living a rewarding and fulfilling life of eighty-two years. He was born on June 10, 1933 to Grady and Barbara Collier in Edmond, OK. Larry served in the Army from August 1953 to August 1956, including the Korean War. During his service, Larry married the love of his life Laverda Claribel Collier on December 28, 1953. After his military service, Larry and Claribel returned to Oklahoma where he worked as a plant engineer. They later founded Larry's Hat Company with the support of family.
Larry is survived by his wife, Claribel Collier, and four children and their spouses: Nora & Jim McMillin, Jack & Belinda Collier, Richard & Brenda Collier, & Russell and Sheri Collier. Larry is survived by eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who share an immeasurable love and admiration for him. Larry is preceded in death by his parents Grady and Barbara Collier and siblings Harold, A.G., Janice, Wendell, & Joyce
Anne Collier.
Family describes Larry as witty, kind, advising, helping, tolerant, and selfless. A classmate named him the "genius of Arcadia." At an early age, Larry was self-taught in playing the fiddle and honed his skills later in life. Larry and Claribel shared a love for music and friends. They often travelled across the country participating in music festivals and established a semi-annual Pickin' and Grinnin' at their home. In his later years, Larry began wine making, readily sharing his wine and love with friends and family.
A public viewing will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, November 11 & 12 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2015 at Matthews Funeral Home with burial to follow at Arcadia cemetery IOOF.
