Larry Justice Obituary

Larry Leon Justice July 13, 1947 – June 30, 2025 Larry L. Justice, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and friend, passed away at the age of 77 on June 30, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born on July 13, 1947, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Larry was the eldest child of George A. Justice Sr. and LaJune (Harris) Justice. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1965 and went on to earn a degree in speech from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, in 1969. Larry furthered his education at Southwestern Seminary, completing a Master of Divinity in 1972 and a Master of Arts in Communications in 1984.
In January of 1973, Larry met Deborah "Debby" DeAnn Hawthorne. Their courtship was as swift as it was enduring. They began dating in February, were engaged by March, and married on August 17, 1973. Together they built a life marked by faith, love, and service. They were blessed with two sons: Christopher and Shane.
Larry dedicated his career to ministry and education. He served as youth minister at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches, Louisiana (1973–1975), before becoming Baptist Student Union (BSU) Director at Eastern Oklahoma College in Wilburton, Oklahoma (1975–1978). In 1978, Larry began his long tenure as BSU Director at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma, where he ministered to thousands of college students until his retirement in 2012.
A gifted teacher, Larry served as an adjunct professor at several institutions. He began teaching New Testament at NWOSU, initially for passes to athletic events, and later taught philosophy, speech, ethics, and leadership and character development for NWOSU, Wichita State University, and Newman University. His students remember him for his wisdom, humor, and unwavering encouragement.
Larry also had a deep love for history, particularly the Santa Fe Trail. His interest began with a conversation with a history professor and blossomed into years of dedicated service. He joined the Santa Fe Trail Association board of directors in 2009, was re-elected in 2019, and served as President from 2013 to 2019. Under his leadership, the Association marked significant milestones, including the 50th Anniversary of the National Trails System Act and preparations for the 200th commemoration of the Santa Fe Trail. He was a member of the Cottonwood Crossing Chapter and provided valued guidance on numerous committees.
Larry continued to serve his community as Riverside Township Trustee, first appointed in June 2022, then elected in November 2024. He resigned in March 2025 due to health concerns but remained deeply committed to his neighbors.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 52 years, Debby; their sons Christopher (Liz) and Shane; grandchildren Emily (Colten) Humphrey, Bailey Justice, Rylie Justice, Cheyenne Justice, and Cole Justice; and great-grandchildren Mixon, Malachi, Mason, and Anna Humphrey. He is also survived by his siblings Bill Justice, George Justice Jr., and Jan Justice; siblings-in-law Brad (Karen) Hawthorne and Margie Hawthorne; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives he touched with his kindness and wisdom.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and LaJune Justice; his father- and mother-in-law, Charles and Vinita Hawthorne; and his great-grandson, Maverick Humphrey. Larry's life was defined by faith, family, and a calling to serve others. His legacy lives on in the many lives he influenced across decades of ministry, teaching, and community involvement.
A celebration of Larry's life will be held Monday, August 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Derby, Kansas.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Quilting Group, Derby, KS. NWOSU Baptist Student Union, Alva, OK or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita, KS. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Larry, please visit our floral store.