Larry Dean Schroder

Larry Dean Schroder, born to Emil Fred Gottlieb Schroder and Edna Malinda Schroder on March 26, 1949, grew up on the family farm in Okarche, OK. He was the second youngest in the family of 7 children. His siblings include Rosalie, Karen, Jan, Donna, Emil Jr., and Keith.

Larry was a Christian. He was fun, loving, reliable, and didn’t know a stranger. He was a helper to anyone. He was the kind of guy that everyone liked to be around. He was gentle and a peace maker. He brightened the room when he entered and when he left the room he was missed.

Larry was good at almost everything except for being a pig farmer. The story goes like this. He won a pig at the Okarche Fair and the deal was the winner had to bring a pig back next year in keeping with the tradition and keep any additional pigs for themselves. Well, Larry’s sow didn’t quite deliver as expected. Pigs typically have 8-10 in their litter but not this one. It only had two. So, Larry thought he would at least have the momma (sow) and one baby pig to keep. But, his luck in the Pig Farming world was not so good. The momma smothered one of the two leaving Larry with only one pig which had to go back to the fair. Needless to say, he did not pursue the Pig industry. To this day, his brothers love to tell this story.

He was often called “Big L” since he was the tallest in the family and maybe in his school.

He graduated from Okarche High School in 1967. He attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma State University but was and still is an avid OU fan, Boomer Sooner!

He was a self-employed residential General Contractor for 25 year with the company he and Sharon owned, Schroder Custom Homes and Remodeling.

Larry enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, golfing, building anything, and playing with his grandkids.

His favorite place was anywhere there was family. He enjoyed family! He loved to watch old westerns, especially John Wayne, and enjoyed country music and golden oldies. He could often be heard at the end of a long day telling the grandkids that “his dogs were barkin’.”

Larry was president of the FFA in high school, served in the Army Reserves, grew up in the Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK. Since moving to Texas he has been a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Plano, TX.

Larry’s favorite family traditions were making Schroder sausage and playing Pitch (a card game) with the family.

Larry married Sharon Elaine Lee on February 5th, 1971. They were married in Eakly, OK. They celebrated their 47th Anniversary this year. They have three sons, Chad, Jeff, and Marty. They have 6 grandchildren and one granddaughter on the way. Alexa, Halle, Lake, Cassidy, Hall, and Wyatt. The 7th grandchild is due to arrive in September.

Larry was preceded in death by his father Emil, his mother Edna, and sisters Karen and Donna.

Larry is survived by his wife Sharon Schroder, his son Chad Schroder and wife Brooke and their children Halle and Cassidy, his son Jeff Schroder and wife Brandy and their children Alexa, Lake and Hall, and his son Marty Schroder and Sarah Robinson and their child Wyatt with a little sister due on September 26th.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a memorial contribution to one of the following charities in honor of Larry listed below.