Larry Fred Roberts

Larry Fred Roberts, 91, of Levelland, Texas, passed away on March 15, 2023. Larry was born in Lindsay, Oklahoma, September 29, 1931, to Joseph A. and Nancy P. Vaughn Roberts. After graduating from Levelland High school in 1949, Larry attended Hardin-Simmons University with a four-year basketball scholarship. He excelled both academically and athletically during his time at HSU. He led his team to winning seasons, accumulated many accolades, and was named outstanding player in several tournaments, which lead to him receiving a collection of many gold basketballs. Larry graduated in 1953 with a B.S. degree in Physical Education and Biology. The summer of 1953 he married his best friend and love of his life, Helen Chloe Starr. They shared a life together for almost 70 years. Helen and Larry were members at First United Methodist Church in Levelland where they served their Lord and Savior for many years.

Before he began his educational career, he reported for duty in the Military and served during the Korean Conflict. He entered the U.S. Army through the National Guard as a Corporal and within the first year advanced to Sergeant. He was discharged in 1955 and began his coaching career in Dalhart, Texas where he and his wife had their first son, Monty Clark (1957). His second coaching job was at Frenship High School, where their second son, Mark Starr (1959), was born and Larry received his M.A. Degree in Physical Education and Biology from Texas Tech University. In 1966, Larry was hired at South Plains College. While coaching Tennis and Golf at SPC, he was selected multiple times as WWJCA Conference Coach of the Year. He was respected by co-workers and in 1993 received the prestigious honor of Excellence in Teaching at SPC.  Larry loved coaching young adults and being a part of developing their character and showing them how to persevere through whatever life throws at them. His God given gift was the ability to easily connect with people, at any age, and help them understand how to be happy and enjoy life. He believed that if you set goals and worked hard anything could be achieved.

Helen and Larry retired from teaching and coaching in 1993. They left Levelland and lived in Alto, NM for approximately 10 years and Midland, TX for approximately 8 years, and they returned to Levelland in 2011. During this time, you would find Larry enjoying a game of golf, playing card games with his friends and the Pro at the golf shop, going to the horse races, playing with his granddaughter, and eventually his great grandchildren. Larry and Helen loved to travel throughout America, Mexico, and they especially loved the Scandinavian countries as well as Europe and the Mediterranean. Mazatlán, Mexico was a hangout with family and friends every Thanksgiving for over 20 years. The last few months of his life he spent with family enjoying Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations in Kansas City.

Larry is survived by his life-partner, Helen; his son and daughter-in-love, Mark Starr and Holly Hunt Roberts; his granddaughter and grandson-in-love, AnnaLee Starr and Trey Fruehling; his great grandchildren, Isla Starr and Jordan Tyler Fruehling; two nieces, Nancy Turner Smith and Kay Frederick Cummings; and sister-in-law, Virginia Starr Harris.

Larry is preceded in death by his son, Monty Clark; his parents, Joe and Nancy Roberts; and two sisters, Betty Jo (Virgil Turner), and Bertie Louise (Don Frederick).

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Levelland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the South Plains Collage Foundation, Hospice, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home.  (806) 897-1111