Raymond Dean Larkin

Brother Ray Larkin died January 18, 2025 in Grove, Oklahoma at the age of 79. Ray was born September 11, 1945 to Ed Ralph Dall and Fredah LaDale Swindle Larkin. In 1964 he walked into Sulphur Springs Church and immediately fell in love when he set his eyes upon Gladys Killion. He married her the next year and they spent 59 loving years together. To this union was born 2 children. He always led his family with love and by the instruction of God.

Ray always worked hard and played hard. He was a joker and loved a corny song or a good joke. As a young man he was known by the nickname "Smiley" because of his friendly and positive nature. Ray began drilling water wells with his father while still a teenager, eventually branching off with his own business. He worked in many skilled jobs and owned two other businesses. In 1980 Ray surrendered to preach. He was a bi-vocational minister for many years and in 1990 he became a full-time Church Planter with the Southern Baptist Mission Board. As a minister and a missionary Brother Ray helped start and develop 5 churches, sponsored and mentored 10 summer missionaries, and brought countless souls to Christ. Brought up in a singing family, Brother Ray always included music in his ministry.

In addition to being a fisher of men Ray was an avid fisher of fish. Using reel, trotline and his own patented jug line he shared his love of fishing with friends, relatives and his church family through boat outings and fish fries. He enjoyed weekly canasta nights with his family. He especially treasured every minute spent with his granddaughter.

Brother Ray is survived by his wife Gladys of the home; a son Ron Larkin (Barbara) of Bartlesville, OK; a daughter Sheila jo Kornblum (Michael) of Bentonville, AR; a granddaughter Grace Larkin; a brother Ed Larkin of Eucha, OK; brothers- and sisters-in-laws; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Ruth Spears and Sue Ann Stelle, and his grandson Joshua Raymond Larkin.

A visitation for family and friend will be held from 5-7 pm, Friday, January 24, 2025, at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel in Jay, OK.  Funeral services are scheduled for 2 PM, Saturday, January 25, 2025, at South Grand Lake Baptist Church.  Raymond will be laid to rest in Bethel Cemetery just south of Gravette, Arkansas.