Larry Bolen Williamson, 80, died September 30 at his home in Midwest City, surrounded by his loving family. The funeral service is Friday, October 6, at 10:00am at Redeemer Reformed Church (meets at First Lutheran Church), Rev. Mark Balthrop officiating.

Larry was born June 21, 1943, to Samuel Lloyd and Freda Lee (Bohlen) Williamson in Choctaw, Oklahoma. After graduating from Choctaw High School and Central State College, he married the love of his life, Janice Hanson. Larry said marrying Janice was his greatest accomplishment.

Larry was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Air Force Reserves during the Vietnam era. Combining his mediation skills and love for people, Larry spent over 45 years as a human resource professional with Kerr-McGee Corporation, Grace Petroleum Corporation, and AmeriResource Group. He co-developed a housing addition in Choctaw with his brother Dean.

Larry never knew a time when he did not love the Lord. He spent his adult life serving the church in many ways: he led the music, directed the choir, and taught youth and young married couples. He loved singing in men's quartets and with his wife Janice. Most recently he was a founding elder of Redeemer Reformed Church; he viewed his head usher role as a calling, staying in contact with people during the week to make sure needs were met. Larry welcomed everyone with a warm smile and a hearty handshake (and often some good-natured teasing).

Larry and Janice raised two daughters, Jana and Kristen. They have wonderful memories of a wise, supportive father who served his family faithfully (including driving Jana to the hospital for the births of two of her four children, which Larry loved to tease her husband Russ about). Larry loved music, and each of the grandchildren has a special song written by Granddad that he used to sing them to sleep.

He loved his wife of 56 years, sons-in-law, and his seven grandchildren. Larry was so proud of his grandchildren and invested in their lives by cheering them on at volleyball and basketball games, and teaching them the best way to mow a lawn and interview for a job. Jackson High is in law school at the University of Texas. Maggie Balthrop is studying chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Levi Balthrop and Emma High are at Oklahoma State University, studying exercise science. Samuel High is a senior at The Academy of Classical Christian Studies. Betsy Balthrop is a senior at Southwest Covenant School and plans to study nursing at OSU. Harrison High is taking a year off from The Academy to study at home for his sophomore year of high school. While a lifelong OU fan, Larry supported Levi and Emma by good-naturedly rooting for OSU as well (although he was not seen sporting UT gear). He greatly enjoyed the times everyone could be together.

Though he would not have viewed his life as one of extraordinary achievement, his family is blessed with the legacy of a husband, father, and grandfather who lived a life of extraordinary faithfulness…a life truly well-lived.

Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Lloyd Keith Williamson, and his parents S. Lloyd Williamson and Freda Lee Williamson. He is survived by his wife Janice; brother Dean and his wife Carol; two daughters, Jana (husband Russ High) and Kristen (husband Mark Balthrop); grandchildren Jackson High, Maggie Balthrop, Emma High, Levi Balthrop, Samuel High, Betsy Balthrop, and Harrison High