Larry Gene Wilhelm, age 81, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was born on December 7, 1942, to Olin Reynolds Wilhelm, Jr. and Connie Maxine Wilhelm in Erick, Oklahoma.
Larry was raised on the Wilhelm family farm located west of Erick in a small cabin that was first built in 1902 by his great-grandfather George Wilhelm. He worked with his father and grandfather, “OR”, raising livestock and growing crops. When not working, Larry enjoyed hunting for small game with his Stevens 22 caliber rifle and playing with his sister, Teresa, as well as his many cousins. After graduating from Erick High School in 1962, Larry attended Oklahoma State Technology College (now known as OSU Institute of Technology) in Okmulgee. He received an Associate’s Degree in Diesel Mechanics in 1965.
Larry enlisted in the U.S. Navy with hopes of applying his education and skills to working as a Navy Seabee. He served two tours of duty during the Vietnam war. Near the end of his second tour, Larry suffered a serious injury which resulted in loss of sight in one eye. He returned to the U.S. and was stationed at Millington Naval Air Station (TN) for recovery.
In August of 1968, Larry married the love of his life, Beverly Catherine Martin, in Millington, Tennessee. Larry accepted an honorable discharge and retirement from the Navy, and the new couple returned to Erick to make a home near family and friends. They were blessed with two children, Larry Neil and Erik Lee Wilhelm.
Larry worked as a diesel mechanic for the local John Deere dealership until 1977, when Larry and Beverly joined his parents to operate the Wilhelm Honey Farm and Max Candle Company. Due to health issues, the older Wilhelms decided to retire the farm. Larry began working for Beckham County, where he operated and serviced large equipment. Over the years, Larry continued to care for family farm land and provide mechanic services. He also cared for the First United Methodist Church in Erick, where he was a life-long member.
Larry and Beverly were inseparable for 55 years. They shared an endless love for their ten grandchildren. Fortunately, they were able to relocate to Yukon in 2011 and spend the last 12 years seeing their grandchildren every week. Larry was known as “Papa” to all of them – they loved him so much.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Olin and Maxine, and granddaughter Alex Rae. He is survived by his wife Beverly of the home; sons, Larry Neil and wife Ashlie Piedmont, Oklahoma, and Erik Lee of Dallas, Texas; daughter-in-law Deyfi of Yukon, Oklahoma; sister and brother-in-law Teresa and John Martin of Norman, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Aspen, JJ, Sydney, Jake, Luke, John, Ryan, Ava, and Emilia, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church, 400 Elm, Yukon, Oklahoma. Interment followed at 3:00 p.m., at the Erick Cemetery, Erick, Oklahoma.
Online condolences may be signed at www.yandafuneral. com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, OK.
