Larry Joe Glass

Larry Glass entered the church triumphant on September 11, 2025 surrounded by family at his home. Larry was born to Marlin and Maxine Glass in Winfield, KS on June 19, 1939. Larry’s family lived in Wichita and Dodge City, KS before settling in Newkirk, where he grew up and graduated high school in 1957. At Newkirk High School, Larry played basketball and football. After graduation, he attended Oklahoma State University for a year, then transferred to Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he played football under Art Parkhurst during the 1958 season. While at NWOSU, Larry was introduced by Marybeth Brunsteter (Glass) to the love of his life, Joy Leslie. They were married September 11, 1960, at the First Presbyterian Church of Alva. Over the next seven years, they welcomed three children, Gregg, Leslie and Jeff. In September 1959, Larry transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where he hoped to play football under Coach Bud Wilkinson. A pre-season practice injury ended that dream. While at OU, Larry was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He graduated in the spring of 1962 with a degree in business education. After graduation, Larry spent the summer working for Glass Trucking in Newkirk, then later moved Joy and first-born Gregg to El Reno. At El Reno High School, Larry taught math and was an assistant football coach. He also coached freshman baseball and basketball. In the summer of 1963, Larry and family left El Reno and moved to Alva to join his father-in-law, Pete Leslie, in the farming and ranching business. In addition to playing a vital role in the family business, Larry devoted the next 60 years to an active and fulfilling life in Alva, spending much of his time and energy working for the betterment of youth programs in his adopted hometown. Larry coached youth council baseball and organized youth council basketball for boys and girls. He helped make improvements at Crenshaw Park, including the Green Monster, the sunshade over the grandstand, and installation of the electric scoreboard. Larry also encouraged local businesses to sponsor banners on the outfield fence of the baseball field. On the college level, Larry was instrumental in the installation of artificial turf for the NWOSU baseball infield as part of a multi-year renovation project of the stadium and facilities. Larry was among the first to envision the Alva Recreation Center. He traveled to other centers in surrounding states, gathering ideas and seeking recommendations. He hosted Alva town meetings to share his vision and encourage community support and involvement. He was a lifelong booster of Alva and NWOSU athletics, traveling to out-of-town games and always supporting the teams at home. During his years farming and ranching, Larry hired anyone who asked him for work, including both high school and college students. In the spirit of generosity, he even hired the occasional hitchhiker who needed lodging, a meal, and a job. Larry enjoyed traveling, and he and Joy took many trips throughout the years with friends and family. He especially liked trips with his grandchildren. A favorite memory was a mystery trip he and Joy planned for the family to Memphis, complete with written clues frequently sent to family leading up to their departure. The trip included a live Buddy Holly show, carriage rides and walks along the Mississippi River. Other memory-making trips with the grandchildren included Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands. He and Joy fostered several children in their home throughout the years. Larry was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church USA and was actively involved in the Newkirk and El Reno churches. He was a ruling elder and session member of the First Presbyterian Church of Alva, where he was for many years the chair of building and grounds and served on many committees. Larry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joy Leslie Glass, and his children, Gregg Glass and wife Donnell of Alva; Leslie Maxwell and husband Scott of Edmond; and Jeff Glass and wife Lynnea of Arcadia. Larry was blessed with eight grandchildren, Christopher Glass and wife Sunny; Evan Witt and husband Jarred; Carson Lamle and husband Chase; Drew Glass; Kayli Gillespie and husband Heath; Myka Naylor and husband Ryan; Baylor Maxwell and wife Ariel, and Truitt Maxwell; and 10 great grandchildren, Leighton, Ruth Inslee and Hutton Glass; Lincoln Witt; Trip Lamle; James and Barrett Gillespie; Brooklyn and Nolan Naylor; and Margot Maxwell. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Marlin Gray Glass and Maxine (Maxwell) Glass and brother, Marlin G. “Ike” Glass. He is survived by siblings Marcia Nelson and husband Park; Shirley Douglas and husband Neal; Sara Cook and husband Chris; Bill Glass; and sister-in-law Marybeth Glass. In lieu of flowers, and to continue Larry’s legacy of giving, the family requests memorial donations be directly made to the donor’s organization of choice.

Larry Joe Glass

June 19, 1939 - September 11, 2025