Larry Wayne Gardner

Larry passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Ann on September 14, 2021 after a brief illness.  Lovingly known to his family as “Papa,” he is survived by two sons, two daughters, thirteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. 

Larry was born in Culp, Arkansas in 1943, to a family of migrant farmhands. In his younger years his family would travel to harvest whatever crop was in season. He graduated high school in West Plains, Missouri, in 1961, and later married his high school sweetheart, Anna Faye Jolliff, in 1964.

Larry served for 6 years in the Navy, in the submarine service, and used his GI benefits to attend the University of Missouri – Rolla.  With his education complete, Larry worked for Conoco for 28 years in seismic technology and seismic data acquisition. In his time at Conoco, he traveled all over the world, always remembering to bring back souvenirs for his family, along with the most amazing stories.

Larry moved to Kaw City, Oklahoma in the 1970’s and served for many years as a volunteer firefighter and in many other capacities for community service.  He was the commander of American Legion Post 220 in Kaw City, and loved to help plan and work the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

He attended Oak Grove Baptist Church where he has long been a deacon and also worked for more than a year to build out the interior for a new sanctuary. He loved to mow the church lots, and participate in church events like the Men’s Cake competition, Promise Keepers, and assisting with Vacation Bible School.

Larry retired from Conoco in 1999 and became an independent contractor for smaller oil companies that were gathering seismic data in Texas and Oklahoma. 

Larry has always been known as a person to go to when you need help. He frequently mowed yards for others, helped with home repairs, helped with the fireworks show for Christmas in July at Kaw Lake, and would help his family in any way needed. To many in his family, he was their hero. He found joy in spending time with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and would never turn down an offer for ice cream, especially if it was peppermint.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Anna Faye Gardner, their children: Jason Wayne Gardner and wife Robin of Mustang, Oklahoma; Lori Gardner Westphal and her husband David of Houston, Texas; Anson Grant Gardner of Yukon, Oklahoma; and Gabrielle Amanda Mason of Houston, Texas. 

Grandchildren include: Josh Westphal of Houston, Texas; Charles Westphal of Colorado Springs, Colorado; John Westphal of Houston, Texas; Christian Gardner of Edmond, Oklahoma; Andrew Westphal of Tampa, Florida; Caitlyn Gardner of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Sydney Gardner of Mustang, Oklahoma; Noah Gardner of Mustang, Oklahoma; Samuel Gardner of Mustang, Oklahoma; Michael Gardner of Mustang, Oklahoma; Emmalise Gardner of Mustang, Oklahoma;  Leilani Mason of Houston, Texas; and Roman Mason of Houston, Texas.

Great Grandchildren include: Jace Westphal, Skyler Westphal, Ethan Westphal, Teagan Gardner, Vincent Gardner, Olivia Westphal, and Raven Gardner.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Living Hope Pregnancy Center online at https://livinghopepregnancycenter.givingfuel.com/living-hope-pregnancy-center or by mail at Living Hope Pregnancy Center, 425 Fairview Avenue, Bldg #3, Ponca City, OK  74601

View Larry’s Service online at

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