Laurence Danielly Sikes, Jr., passed away early Friday morning, the 2nd of May, 2014. Larry was born on the 3rd of July, 1936, in Texarkana, Arkansas. He grew up in Dallas where he graduated from Highland Park High School in 1954. He received his B.S. degree in Geology in 1959 followed by his J.D. degree in 1962 from the University of Texas at Austin. While at the University, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
Larry practiced law with Andrews Kurth from 1962 until his retirement. He joined the firm upon graduation from law school as an anti-trust lawyer, moving into tax law and developing into a sophisticated, nationally renowned tax lawyer. He was a brilliant, creative and tenacious tax law strategist, spearheading both the firm’s transactional and litigation tax practices for many years. His unique strategies resulted in many victories for his clients, including a seminal tax case in the U.S. Supreme Court, which continues to be reported in legal textbooks today. Larry was a longtime leader of the firm, becoming the youngest member of the firm’s management committee, serving in that role until shortly before his retirement. His intellect, creativity, professionalism, loyalty, friendship and dedication to family dwarfed his considerable physical presence. Within the firm, Larry was revered and beloved as a recruiter, colleague, and mentor to the lawyers he worked with - particularly the young lawyers he trained. He made it clear that although one’s life’s work is important, the most important thing in life is family.
Larry was a member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Allegro and the Houston Country Club where he twice served on the Board of Directors. He was an avid golfer and devoted fan of the Texas Longhorns. Most importantly, Larry loved his family. He coached his son’s football, basketball and baseball teams and became a sideline expert of his daughter’s many athletic endeavors. He enjoyed spending time at his Hill Country retreat with family and friends.
The family expresses their deep gratitude to Larry’s wonderful caregivers Stacey, Maggie and Carmen of Pax et Vita and the 12th Floor staff in the Fondren Tower at Methodist Hospital for their gentle, loving care.
He was preceded in death by his father, Laurence Danielly Sikes; his mother, Frances Sikes; and his sister, Sylvia Tankersley. Larry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sue Chipley Sikes; his son, Mark Sikes, and wife, Marlee, of Houston; his daughter, Allyson Bartlett, and husband, Dan, of Bentonville, Arkansas; his six grandchildren, Bennett and Mallory Sikes, Jake, Sutton, Whit and Wynn Bartlett, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, Larry adored his family. He was a true gentlemen, respected and admired by all who knew him.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening, Tuesday, the 6th of May, in the grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon, on Wednesday, the 7th of May, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Mary Wilson, Senior Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, is to officiate.
The honorary pallbearers are his beloved grandchildren who love their “Click” to heaven and beyond.
In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be directed to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030 or to the charity of your choice.
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