Larry Gene Crull

Larry Gene Crull passed from this earthly world into life-eternal on February 26, 2026, departing from his loved ones after a landscaping accident that occurred on the same piece of land that had welcomed him into this life. Larry was born there–at the old family homestead that he would later repurchase and turn into what would come to be known as the Broken House–near Peavine, OK, on September 28th, 1949. He grew up in Pauls Valley, OK–attending and graduating in 1967 from the same schools in which he would later educate and serve for two decades.

After his graduation from PVHS, Larry went on to attend and be graduated from East Central University with a Bachelor's of Science in Engineering. He worked for Chicago Bridge and Iron, traveling the world, painting water towers (he painted the familiar Moore, OK "Smiley Face" water tower). He later returned home to establish the Insu-Seal Roofing Company alongside his nephew, Brent Crull. He was the quintessential jack-of-all-trades: a perfectionist in craftsmanship and a craftsman in a collection of skills too broad to list in a one-page memoir. He used his skills not only in his career but also toward public service, striving to maintain anonymity as, throughout many years, he constructed and donated hundreds of sturdily-and-beautifully-built wooden rocking horses for Pauls Valley's Angel Tree Project. In time, Pauls Valley Schools summoned Larry's expertise, and he returned to college to earn another bachelor's degree. This time, it was a BA in education, and he quietly entered into the "shop" classroom behind Pauls Valley High School to skillfully and ardently teach woodworking and trade-craft skills to high school students. Mr. Crull taught his students with great depth of knowledge, skill, high-expectation, and patience. If there is one quality Larry embodied that stood out above all his other wonderful qualities, it was his patience. He retired from Pauls Valley Schools after serving as Director of Support–overseeing maintenance, transportation and custodial services–in 2012.

Larry married Carol Elizabeth Crull on May 31, 2001, and together, their families blended into one–he with three grown children, she with two. What followed was this: his renowned patience would face the ultimate test, as their five children would multiply to produce for the couple eight grandchildren–and eventually two great-grandchildren–who would come to be the center of their world. Larry was no longer Larry: he was "Papaw." "Papaw and Cha Cha." He relished the role, reveled in the role, took the role to heart and sprinted 28 years with it, right up to his death.

Larry and Carol purchased the land on which he had been born, refurbished the house there, manicured the many acres and ponds, constructed a "bunk house," a zipline, a recreational pond, and, after his then-three-year-old granddaughter Jade quipped, "Look, Mommy! It's Papaw's broken house," dubbed it the Broken House, establishing a country home that, for decades, would warmly welcome family and friends, hosting their weddings, witnessing their reunions, and serving as the "secret" revel location of their grandchildren and their friends! Papaw passed away manicuring his beloved–and ironically dubbed–"Broken House."

He is survived by his wife Carol Crull, Pauls Valley; children Jason Crull (Shelley), Edmond; Brandon Crull, Pauls Valley; and Crystal Dawn Crull, Pauls Valley; and by Carol's daughters, Tonya Tobey (Jonathan), Pauls Valley; and Tori Christiansen (Jeffrey), Norman. His eight grandchildren Chase Ensey, Jade Crull, Jake Tobey, Cade Ensey (Gracie), Kasen Crull, Faith Ensey, Cooper Christiansen, and Calvin Christiansen. His great-grandchildren, (of Cade and Gracie), Case and Phoebe Ensey. His siblings Richard Crull (Jimmie Sue), Pauls Valley; Robert Crull, Pauls Valley; Raymond Crull (Jennie Ann), OKC; and Darlene Butler (Rodney), Elmore City. His sister-in-law Sandy Crull, Pauls Valley. And a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, students, and adopted grand-children who love him dearly.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Raymond and Pearly Ellen (nee Boyd) Crull, and siblings Sharon Crull, and Charles "Don" Crull (Sandy), Pauls Valley.