Larry Calvin Collier

Larry Calvin Collier

1933-2015Collier, Larry

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.

16 thoughts on “Larry Calvin Collier”

  1. Tony and Deena Electericireh

    Claribel and family,

    Tony and I were sorry to hear about Larry. We know that he is in a better place, pickin’ and a grinnin’!!

  2. Gerald & Stacy Roche'

    Dear Russell & family
    We are so sorry hear your wonderful Father has passed away. It was always a please to be in his company, the angels are truly enjoying his presence in heaven.
    With our love,
    Gerald & Stacy

    1. Nora McMillin

      Uncle Virgil, thank you for your condolences. Mom said you were so sweet to leave a note.

  3. Kylee Orweller

    I had the pleasure of meeting Larry back in April. We were instant friends and he always made me feel welcome! He was an intelligent, sarcastic and witty man and I absolutely loved that about him!! He will be deeply missed!!

    1. Nora McMillin

      Kylee
      So sweet of you to leave us a note. You would always put a smile on dads face when you walked thru the door! He loved talking to you and Amir.

  4. I am Jon, Oldest son of Barbara Janice Collier (Knox). I wish to express my most sincere condolences on the loss Of My Uncle Larry. While it has been so very long since I have seen Aunt Claribel and my Uncle, I have the fondest memories of them on in particular when you took a couple of tag a long nephews to Lake Ten Killer. The beauty of that trip and the camping experiences we had are still emblazed in my mind. Another of my fondest memories is an example of how creative Uncle Larry was when he made a violin from a illustrated picture in an encyclopedia. He made the bow and he even used horse hair from the tail of one of the horses tail and then learned to play it. When my brother, Charles and I would visit, he always took time to be with us even tough we were so much younger than he. Wow! Talk about patience! All my memories of him and his wonderful Wife, Claribel are good . My heart is with you all at this time of mourning and remembrance.

    1. Nora McMillin

      Jon,
      Thank you for your note. We loved hearing your story, I read it to mom yesterday. I am Nora their oldest daughter, and I am greatiful and appreciate you sharing your memories. It is fun to hear other memories of dad and mom.

  5. Our condolences on your loss of one of the best.
    Tom Bomhoff and families – American Trailers

  6. I am so happy that you got the message I left and I am once again sorry for the loss of your father. Thank you for acknowledging receipt of my message. Please be at peace. I tell your Mom, That I have always thought highly of her and am so happy that she and my Uncle were so right for each other. When ever I got to see them, they seemed so happy. My prayers are with you all.
    Love to all
    Jon

  7. Kelly Rogers

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Collier family. One of my greatest memories of your dad is him playing the fiddle in Jay and Debbie’s wedding. The gracious hospitality that was shown to our family was unforgettable. A memory we will always cherish.

  8. Dear Clairbel and family,
    My husband and I really enjoyed meeting and visiting with you both. My mother spoke highly of you both and enjoyed the hat that Larry made for her. My Uncle Wendell, Larry’s brother always spoke highly of you both as well. The stories he would tell me, never knowing what was true because Uncle Wendell was such a story teller. We are sorry we had such a lousy garden this past summer, because we always enjoyed sharing what we grew with you both. We also enjoyed all the stories Larry would share about his parent’s homestead. We miss him already. Ya’ll are in our prayer’s.
    Sincerely,
    Zella and Don Gibson

  9. Lorrita Bagwell

    We just heard the news and our hearts are hurting with you. We are so sorry for your loss and the loss to our family. We love you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

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