Larry Don Stearns

Wilson - Funeral Services for Mr. Larry Don Stearns, 75 are scheduled for 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Wilson with Rev. Jason Williams officiating.  Interment will follow to Hewitt Cemetery with Military honors to follow.

Larry Don Stearns was born August 15, 1947 near Wilson to Sydney Lee and Katie Myrtle (Hill) Stearns. He departed from this life on Friday, July 28, 2023 surrounded by his family.  Larry was the baby of 15 kids. He lost his mom when he was just over a year old and was raised by his older sisters. He adored Pauline and Billie Sue and had many adventures with them growing up and as adults. Larry grew up in Wilson and attended Wilson Schools. He met the love of his life Glenda Sue Ferguson there. He graduated two years before her from Wilson High School in 1965. He was proud to be a Wilson Eagle! After graduation, Larry entered and proudly served in the United States Air Force. He and Glenda married June 3, 1967, just weeks after her high school graduation. After being honorably discharged, they returned home to Wilson to settle down and grow their family. They were married for 47 years before Glenda passed away. Larry and Glenda have three kids. Jeff, Kevin, and Kim.

After Glenda passed away in 2014, Larry later married Mrs. Linda McDonald. They have been married 5 and a half years. Linda has been a blessing to him and his family as she has loved him and taken care of him through it all.

Larry had many occupations. He drove a delivery truck for a short time for both Coors and Dr Pepper. (He was a dedicated coke drinker!) He then went to work for Uniroyal Tire Company, where he eventually retired in 1997. Even though he retired, he wasn’t finished working! He had the all-American dream of owning his own business. This is when he purchased Dusty’s. He loved running the grill and visiting with all of the daily coffee drinkers. After selling the store, he became cleet certified and served his community as a Police Chief. He had numerous odd and end endeavors!

Larry, or Turtle as his friends lovingly called him, was a busy guy that loved his friends and family. If you were really lucky, you may just have a handwritten note or poem from him. Or maybe, he would call you to make sure you were watching the weather. “Larry England” always wanted to make sure you knew it was raining, or that a storm might be headed your way. Either way, he just wanted you safe.

Throughout his life he loved to play golf, fish, but he would never eat it, hunt, ride motorcycles, and cook-which his grandkids say the gravy cannot be duplicated. He loved to travel! He loved a good road trip! (Especially with George Jones playing in the background!) He usually spent more time in the car driving, than at his destination! Somehow though, he usually ended up near the beach. It never failed he would get in the car and drive, then call one of the kids to tell them where he’d gone, and when he might be back. When not traveling, you could usually find him at one of the many grandkids sports games. He also enjoyed playing dominoes and cards, and he never passed up a good casino.

Larry was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wilson. He was saved and baptized as an adult by Brother Bob Hildebrant. He served in the church, and even used to sing in the choir. Larry knew how important it was to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Preceded him in death were his parents; wife, Glenda Stearns in 2014; brothers, Floyd Stearns, Ronnie Joe Stearns, Sidney Wayne Stearns, and Kenneth Stearns; sisters, Ruby Jean Cannon, Geraldean Stearns, Pauline Shores, Billie Sue Lowery, and Saundra Ladon Fanning; and a niece, Tina Davis.

Forever left to cherish his memory is his wife, Linda Stearns; children, Jeff Stearns and wife Jennifer, Kevin Stearns and wife Rhonda, Kim Babcock and husband Shane, Deana Edgar and husband Wayne, Joe McDonald and wife Julie, Jeremy McDonald, and Josh McDonald; brother, Glenn Earl Stearns and wife Loretta; 22 grandchildren, Joey, Payton, Brittnee, Brookelyn, Mollie, Ashlee, Lane, Kade, Reed, Madii, Gibbon, Hayden, Rylie Jo, Creed, Zoey, Jakin, Hannah, Callum, and Trace; 10 great-grandchildren with 1 on the way; special niece Kelly Dickson, special friends, Jesse Herrell and Ronnie Roberts; and by a host of other family and friends. 

Pallbearers will be Jeff Stearns, Kevin Stearns, Joey Stearns, Lane Babcock, Kade Babcock, and Pete Carlile.  Honorary bearers will be Ronnie Roberts, Jesse Herrell, Karl Criswell, Mike Sudderth, Mikey Thompson, David Shores, and Jim Roberts. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 P.M. at Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cross Timbers Hospice, 207 C St NW, Ardmore, OK 73401.

Memories may be shared online at www.alexaandergrayfh.com.