Larry Mankin

Larry Mankin, 77, of Lubbock, and loving husband of Wanda, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. Larry was born in Bonham, Fannin County, Texas on June 24, 1947, to the late J. W. Mankin and Wilma Jean (Daniels) Mankin.

Larry attended Lubbock High School and graduated with the senior class of 1966. He served in the U.S. Airforce and was a veteran of Vietnam, where he received a Purple Heart. He later attended East Texas State University, Texas Tech, and South Plains College where he obtained his degree and teaching certificate. Larry began teaching at Dunbar High School, and then Frenship High School, teaching Automotive Technology for 25 years. Over the years, he won many state and national accolades as an outstanding teacher. He was on the State Board of Education Appraisal team for Vocational Education, President of Texas Automotive Instructors Association, served on the Governor's Advisory Committee, and chaired the Texas State Textbook Committee. He also developed the curriculum that was used by LISD and South Plains College for many years. Larry was also a motivational speaker and had a remarkable sense of humor. He always had a story, pun, or joke, sometimes at his own expense. He blessed all that knew him and felt his purpose was fulfilled by inspiring others to be their best. He retired in 2003.

Larry met Wanda May Rodgers, the love of his life, and they were joined in marriage on September 27, 2003, in Lubbock. 

He loved to collect and restore vintage automobiles. He cherished the time building and working on these cars with his son and grandson. Larry thoroughly enjoyed his career in teaching and keeping up with his former students. He loved to travel and go camping in his RV. Larry was a loving man who was family oriented. He loved his children and grandchildren and could be found at their activities cheering them on. He was a member of the Church of Christ for most of his life, but more recently attended and was a member at Aldersgate Church.

Larry’s favorite bible verses were Matthew 7:7, Acts 20:35, and Psalm 23

Those left to honor and cherish his memory include his wife, Wanda; one son, Todd (Aubrey) Mankin of Sanger, Texas; one daughter, Kori (Ray) Haggard of Lubbock; two brothers, Ricky and Jimmy Mankin of Lubbock; five grandchildren: Hayden Haggard, Parker Haggard, Emilee Smith, Tanner Smith and Taryn Smith; one great-grandson, Elliot Haggard. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jeff Mankin.

A time of reflection and visitation for Larry will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Monday, December 30, 2024, in Combest Family Funeral Home’s Oak Crest Suite, 2210 Broadway in Lubbock. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Aldersgate Church, 10306 Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79423. Final rites and interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes and Crematory.

The pallbearers will be Gary Ufford, Ted Pisarski, Brad Harris, Tanner Smith, Hunter Bolton, Lloyd Holley

Honorary pallbearers are Robert Bolton, Terry Hurst, LeRoy Henry, and Robbie Robinson

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider a memorial donation, in Larry’s memory, to the Children’s Home of Lubbock, 4404 Idalou Road, Lubbock, TX 79403.