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Larry McMurtry Obituary
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70 Entries
Kathy Stoia
June 22, 2024
Lonesome Dove is the finest book ever written by one man.
I am still in awe of your talent.
Just read you died.
Thanks,Larry for your endearing gift from one book hoarder to another.
Jody Brachman
January 23, 2022
Hi how are you I am good u I was writing to you to.give my condolences to u and yr family etc. RIP I loved his books movies etc. He seemed like a nice guy I will.miss him so. Take care bye no rush
Sheri Dennis
April 9, 2021
I’m an old Gal now and everyone who knows me and everyone who has ever met me knows I first off ask “ Have you ever watched the movie “ Lonesome Dove”? I’ve lost count of the people I’ve had thank me for encouraging them to enjoy the gang from Lonesome Dove but especially grateful my Father took the VH version to the Victoria Islands two years before his passing and he thanked me after..a rare acknowledgment. I want to first and foremost thank Larry...followed by Gus, Call, Deets, Pea Eye, Lippy, Lorrie Darlin, Newt, Jake, Clara, her Gals, July Johnson, Roscoe Brown, Elmira, Jasper & Blue Duck to name a few. When I die “ Because I am a Woman of Vision, I ask those I love, those I know, and those who should, watch the most precious, loving, and endearing movie, ever written by (Larry McMurtry) Screen Writer ( Bill Wittliff-Lonesome Dove Museum at Wittliff collection at University of Texas. My heart is full our loss is great saying goodbye first to Bill so recently and now to our Dearest of Writers Mr. Larry McMurtry. May the Good Lord rise you both up to the most beautiful of heavenly places! With so gratitude and so much Love, Sheryl Ann Liebman Dennis
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Richard Horan
April 8, 2021
We have lost a great American treasure. I feel very sad.
LINDA LEE-SCHMEDEL
April 5, 2021
WOW- THE MAN WAS A LEGEND- REGRET I NEVER GOT TO ARCHER CITY WAREHOUSE TO MEET HIM. "LONESOME DOVE" WAS THE ONLY MOVIE WHICH EVER LIVED UP TO WHAT I IMAGINED WHEN READING IT. WELL-DONE! COINCIDENTALLY, AM CURRENTLY READING "WALTER BENJAMIN AT THE DAIRY QUEEN" LIKE HIS ENTIRE WORKS, STELLAR! HIS IS A VOICE I SHALL ALWAYS MISS.
April 5, 2021
An extremely talented writer, May God be with the McMurtry family as you go through your time of loss.
Suzanne Tennis
April 4, 2021
In my opinion, Larry McMurtry was America's best contemporary fiction writer. Hail the King of Western Stories!
Roger Wright
April 2, 2021
Larry McMurtry, the great American writer who just died, once told me (at least I think it was me) that he wanted to write one masterpiece and then keep writing minor classics till it was his time to go.
OK. He didn’t exactly tell me that. He had a character in one of his books say it. And I read the book about a dozen times. Because when McMurtry told a story—not all, but some of his stories—became my stories. He was the guy I looked up to. Not just a great writer. My great writer.
I remember wandering into his Book Store in Georgetown years ago. A battered copy of “All My Friends Are Going To Be Strangers” jammed into the back pocket of my jeans. I had no expectation that he’d actually be there. I figured he’s be off somewhere wild and sweet. Like Texas. Drowning the pages of his novel in the Rio Grande. Because one of his characters was obsessed with rivers. But on that long ago Wednesday afternoon, my hero was in a corner of an annex to his store shelving books. By himself. Just Larry McMurtry. Me. And a roomful of books. So I asked him if he had a section of books on rivers. And he replied, “No. Sorry.”
I nodded. Said my thanks. And back then to today. The last line of his book rises up. “Better just to want rivers.” McMurtry was gone.
Jana Jeffcoat
April 2, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 2, 2021
My sincerest condolences to the family.
Thomas Kees
April 1, 2021
My condolences to the Family. I have read, and own all of Larry's, (and Diana's), books. What I have received from his/their talent, insight, knowledge, and humor, I will always be grateful for. I was in Archer City in February 2020, at Murn's Cafe, hoping to maybe get the chance to meet him and tell him my thanks. Larry was out of town that day, oh well, I left him a note at the door at Booked Up. Larry once postulated that music just might 'live on' more so than books...well I'm purdy darn sure his literary contribution will live on a long time. Rest in Peace Pard'
Tom Kees
David Lugliani
April 1, 2021
My condolences to the family and his best friend and writing partner Diana. It was a true pleasure working with Larry on the “last go round”. A true gentleman and genius of story telling. The world has lost a great one.
Headed to the Caprock - Summer 2006
Jay Foreman
April 1, 2021
West of Ft. Worth where the true West begins, Mr. McMurtry lived it as I have and he captured it all in words so true that no one else has.
Sophie Bagonia
April 1, 2021
His books are a treasure of our families, # 1 in our hearts.
Beth Mann
March 31, 2021
The world has lost one of the greatest gifts to mankind ! I have very few regrets in my life but can honestly say that never meeting Larry McMurtry is at the top of my list. I have read, reread and own all 35 of your books. Thank you ! Rest in Peace ,Sir.
Gordon Cone
March 31, 2021
If you are a fan of the American western, Larry McMurtry gave you the best gift you will ever receive. Lonesome Dove is as good as it gets. I rarely read a novel more than once. I have read Lonesome Dove four times. A masterpiece.
RIP Mr. McMurtry. And thank you.
Barbara Reeves
March 31, 2021
It's been quite a party. Thanks for Lonesome Dove.
Taylor
March 31, 2021
My condolences go out to the family of Larry. So sorry for your loss.
Roger Browning
March 31, 2021
Genuine writer of life to "The End." My condolences to the family. He no doubt, will sorely be missed.
Michael Shuler
March 30, 2021
Larry was such a gift. I have read read quite a few of his novels, although I still have a few more to read. My wife & I made several trips to his bookshop in Archer City. We always made a day of it.
Gary Yawn
March 30, 2021
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Larry McMurtry. Thanks, Mr. McMurtry, for all the books and all the wisdom and the wit. You were the best.
Steele
March 30, 2021
What does a book store look like with 35,000 books in it. Mr McMurtry was evidently was a exceptional individual. To his family so sorry for your loss.. I pray for peace and a calm heart for the family.
Sandra Laurence Miller
March 30, 2021
I wanted to a add this to my earlier memory. When we went for tea you rode in my old Buick. I sort of felt badly about it, but you said it was fine and that you had been in all kinds of cars. You had ice cream on your pie. This was after you won the Pulitzer. I had attended a presentation you gave ar ASU in San Angelo. The university president and others
said you needed to go to the book store next, but you told them, "no, right now I am going for tea with my cousin." I wanted to pay the small amount at the restaurant, but you said, no that you were on expenses. You were so kind and considerate. You were such a celebrity and important, but you did not act like it. You were one of a kind. Bless you and your family.
Barbara Rooney
March 30, 2021
A marvelous story teller.
Stephanie Schell
March 30, 2021
Your books will live on.
Mary
March 30, 2021
My deepest condolences to the McMurty family for your loss. May God comfort you at this difficult time.
Rita Fannin
March 30, 2021
Mr. McMurtry, writer and lover of books. Texan. Your words, crafted and woven so gracefully into such indelible, timeless characters and events that they have become as real and as meaningful to most of us that they have become a true memory, a reality. Timeless and effortlessly imbedded remembered and recalled as we do our own relatives, old friends and our life's events. They've become an indelible part of the fabric of our hearts, from where we've come, how we got here, who we are and what it means to us. Whether it be coming of age in small town Texans in the 50's or the saga of Lonesome Dove, you have described the Texas that some lived, some remember and then some that wish they had. Regardless, it lives. What a testament to a writer. I can think of no greater honor then that place that the people of Texas hold you. You have a special place in the sunset of West Texas. In the wind and the grit. Where your words gave meaning to times and places that might otherwise have gone unnoticed, underappreciated or forgotten. But these things will never be forgotten now. God rest Your Soul and "Thank you" Mister Larry McMurtry, Texan.
Chris McMurtry
March 29, 2021
I am the daughter of Alfred McMurtry, Larry’s first cousin. I would like to go to Larry’s funeral. Would you send me information where and when his funeral will be? Thank you.
Sandra Laurence Miller
March 29, 2021
I feel a great loss and sadness at your passing. We had tea together in San Angelo and it was so special. I was a second cousin and I wish I could have known you better. I did talk to your brother Charlie and he was so nice to me as were you. I was a Psychology instructor at ASU. What a great and humble man you were. I am glad you had Faye in your life. God bless you and may you rest in peace. I write this on my birthday.
Stephanie D Schell
March 29, 2021
Was one of the best authors of all time.
March 29, 2021
My condolences to the family, regarding the loss of your loved one. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family, during these difficult times.
jerald stewart
March 29, 2021
May God bless you Larry McMurtry for the pure joy you brought into my life with your wonderful books and movie adaptations. There will never be another Lonesome Dove and the rest so cleverly done. May you rest in heavenly peace.
brenda burda
March 29, 2021
I loved every thing he wrote. Thank you Lord for giving us such a talent, as Larry
John Lipscomb
March 29, 2021
A true National Treasure! A fertile imagination that combined intriguing characters, panoramic views and spot on descriptions. We got to go on cattle drives, experience small town life, ride in Cadillacs, visit mansions, drink expensive wine and sit around camp fires. Larry McMurtry’s ability to craft his characters and situations made everything real and believable. His books will always be read. A true loss for readers. My condolences to his family and friends.
March 29, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult period.
March 29, 2021
To family and friends,you have my deepest condolences and prayers.
March 29, 2021
Sincere condolences to the McMurtry Family, May the God of Tender Mercies bind up and mend your grieving hearts. May He strengthen you as you cope with the precious loss in your lives. Larry leaves a legacy behind to remember him by.
Kate Bell
March 29, 2021
The western narrative of which McMurtry was Master underwrites a large slab of modern political bipolarity, and future global civilisation. Larry entertained us all too. There are places I remember which were dreamt up by Larry McMurtry.
Stephen Sibley
March 29, 2021
My wife, Debbie, and I we’re eating at Hedary’s Restaurant one evening in 1987. Mr. McMurtry was eating there with a couple. We quickly finished our meal and I walked across the street and purchased a Copy of “Lonesome Dove.” I didn’t think I had time to run home and get her 1st-1st edition which she had read. When he exited the restaurant, Debbie approached him telling him he was her favorite author and asked if he would sign the book for her. He wrote Debbie a personal inscription with signature. The book is treasured by her. We have lost Larry-our Texas treasure, icon, and literary genius who brought Texans to life with his great passion and insight. Thank you Mr. McMurtry-life well lived!
Pamela Jacobs
March 28, 2021
I remember you and your family with love & kindness from the ten years I lived in Archer City. Rest in peace great Orater.
Clay Yates
March 28, 2021
Thank you Mr. McMurtry, for all the pleasure you have given me. Thank you for your deft recognition of the human condition, and how carefully and skillfully you parsed it with your characters and stories. Thank you for making me cry and laugh, time and again with your fine perception of life, and exposition of the tragic, the absurd, and the beautiful in your novels, stories and memoirs. You have enriched me, and made me a better person for having read you. Thank you.
Lauren Ridenour
March 28, 2021
Thank you for sharing your great craft of story telling.
Terry Hale
March 28, 2021
Dear cousin, you brought the western culture into the lives all over the world. God speed!!! Terry Hale
Diane Potts
March 28, 2021
Buckle up St. Peter!!! Heaven is in for one hell of a ride. Thanks for the memories.
Rose Marie Kinder
March 28, 2021
A loving and generous man. Great writer. Sorry he's gone.
Janice Inman
March 28, 2021
You gave all you had; you made us proud. See ya down the road.
Leisel
March 28, 2021
Greatest Western writter since Zane Gray. Gave me a lifelong love of the genre.
Kim Carstens
March 28, 2021
I kind of backed into Larry's writings. As a huge fan of his son James, I took notice of his father. And totally enjoyed his writings. I got immersed in so many of his characters. The literary world is a lesser place today. My sympathies go out to the entire family.
Claire Shannon
March 28, 2021
Farewell Larry. Thanks for Aurora, Lorena and all the rest. Say hello to Emma for me. I have missed her.
March 28, 2021
An extremely talented writer, so many appreciated and loved his works. Sincere sympathies to the McMurtry family and friends, may God help you in your time of sorrow.
Edward Spears
March 27, 2021
My condolences to the family. I enjoyed so many of his works. I have read several of his books and watched the movie and tv adaptations. May he rest in peace. A true artist.
Hyman Roth
March 27, 2021
He is part of the reason I like to read as an adult.
Luanne Gibbs
March 27, 2021
He work has provided me with so much enjoyment. RIP dear Mr. McMurtry
Richard Rens
March 27, 2021
I’ve read many of Larry’s books over the past 8-10 years and when the library here in Sun City West, AZ has a book sale many hands are reaching for Larry McMurtry’s books.
Terry Martin
March 27, 2021
Thank you for writings. Lonesome Dove , Augustus and Woodrow these characters are my favorite of all time. The values and the friendship of these two characters in the novel and in the movie have the values that I aspire to attain in my personal life. I call my best friend Woodrow because of the character in Lonesome Dove. The one-liners and the quotes throughout the movie or classics of all time and words to live by. There are too many to quote but I love them all. I have many friends that feel the same way. God Bless you.
Sincerely,
Terry Martin
Walnut Ca.
Stacia Blodgett
March 26, 2021
Going to miss just knowing he is with us. I met him, was lucky enough to visit with him one evening in Archer City. Great person, so special, RIP
Summer Steinberger
March 26, 2021
I will miss looking for a glimpse of you on our trips to the DQ in AC. Growing up in the area, all I never knew was Larry McMurtry lived here and that meant something.....it never occurred to that little girl how much you meant to the world. Rest well, happy trails....
Michael normand
March 26, 2021
What a storyteller-He will be missed! I read Lonesome Dove at least 5 or 6 time-it became my bible. I laughed and cried as much during my last read as my first and each read was a treasure. It ain’t about dying Woodrow, it’s about living. I hope that God makes you the caretaker of his bookstore. Hell of a party Mr McMurtry-Thank you.
Mark Van Eizenga
March 26, 2021
Adios, my Friend
For Larry McMurtry
Tonight, in the Spirit of Famous Shoes, the wandering Kickapoo, a man adds fragrant sage to his small fire and watches the stars spin above the rim of the Palo Duro canyon. He listens to coyotes calling to each other and thinks about all the heros and villians and beautiful ladies he has known and met, in books and in life. Happy trails Larry McMurtry. A new journey has just begun.
March 26, 2021
Loved reading your books and then came the movies.
Great. Enjoyed all your works
Will miss your great talent and
Brilliant mind. Now go
Rest. You deserve to rest.
You’ll be with the Lord now.
He is waiting for You with open arms.
Condolences to family,
Friends and Everyone who enjoyed your Brilliant work.
God Bless
Nancy McCurry
March 26, 2021
Thank you for the wonderful stories that you wrote! My faces were the Terms of Endearment series, my husband's was Lonesome Dove. You btearhes amazing life into your characters and story lines. Thank you for plucking our heartstrings with such beautiful soul mysic!
Wolf & Nancy
Erica Smithfield
March 26, 2021
My all time favorite author, and "Brokeback Mountain" is my favorite romantic movie. He captured what it was like to grow up in the West. Truly one of the greatest writers ever, a sad day for the literary world .
Debbie Millican
March 26, 2021
I feel like a part of me has died. What a great writer.... He will be missed
Harry Simpson
March 26, 2021
Godspeed Larry, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, and the wonderful literary memories, many of which were the basis for wonderful, and unforgettable film and TV memories. Again, thank you Larry. Unforgettable.
March 26, 2021
So Sorry for the families loss! My Deepest Sympathy.
Zandra Scott Underwood, Seymour Texas
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