Laurence E. Ourada

1942 - 2024

Laurence E. Ourada

January 26, 1942 - November 2, 2024

Larry E. Ourada, 82, of Tulsa, Okla. passed away early a.m. on November 2, 2024, helping others as was his way. Born as the 1st of five children on January 26, 1942, in Lexington, Neb., Larry was raised on a family farm just North of the Platte River in Dawson County, South of Overton, Neb. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lily Ourada and is survived by his siblings, Steve Ourada (Diane), Vicki Jacobson, Cathy Fishback, and Ron Ourada (Connie) and several nieces and nephews.

He attended 1st thru 8th grade in a one-room red brick schoolhouse, a 79-student strong High School, and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1964 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering where he met the love of his life, his wife Mary E. Ourada (McKillip), of North Platte, Neb. Larry was commissioned thru the USAF ROTC program and attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance AFB, Enid Oklahoma, earning his USAF pilot wings as a member of class 66C.

Wed the day after Christmas, 1964, Larry & Mary raised three children and welcomed nine grandchildren. A son, Daniel J. Ourada of Tulsa, Okla.; a daughter, Teresa A. Ferguson (William) also of Tulsa, Okla.; and son, John E. Ourada (Molly) of Peachtree City, Ga. He relished the role of "Papa O" to Dan's children, Katelyn, Jacob (Katrina), and James, Teresa's children Will, Delaney, and Darcy, and John's children, Josh, Hayden and Ethan.

Larry's 2nd passion was flying, serving in the USAF and later the Tulsa ANG and as a Captain for both Trans World Airlines and American Airlines. After retiring from the Tulsa ANG and from American Airlines, Larry was a Tulsa Riverside airport regular, and a trusted 'good fellow' of the Quiet Birdmen and Daedalians. He could be found most weekends in his hangar with his Cessna preparing for a volunteer Angel Flight, where he would donate his time and skills flying patients in need of care to hospitals around the country. He also excelled at woodworking, building amazing furnishings for his family home in Tulsa, and exceptional cribs, bookshelves, doll houses, play tables, lamps and tables for all his kids and grandkids.

A viewing will be held at the Moore Funeral Home Rosewood Chapel on November 7, 2024 from 3 to 5 p.m., with a Rosary at 6 p.m. at the Church of the Madalene, both in Tulsa, Okla. A Funeral mass will occur at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024 also at the Church of the Madalene with a reception to follow. Internment at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with military honors at 2:30 p.m. will follow the reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Angel Flight of Oklahoma, at Angel Flight Inc., 12345 E. Skelly Drive, Tulsa OK 74128, or online at https://www.angelflight.com/make-a-donation/