Larry D. Jennings
An Obituary
The cost to publish an obituary in the Tulsa World newspaper is just over $1000. Considering my father has been dead since August of 2022 and we hadn’t spoken or seen each other since 2008, I don’t feel any guilt not spending the money.
-
LARRY DEAN JENNINGS
9/13/41 to 8/9/22
Larry Dean Jennings traded his spurs for wings August 9, 2022. Born in Picher, Oklahoma on September 13, 1941, Mr. Jennings lived a remarkable and eventful life.
The young Jennings moved with his mother Delores to Tulsa after the news of his father’s death, in the Europe theater, during WW2. They moved to his grandmother Willie Thompson Woods iconic rooming house. Willie's fascinating life inspired the character “Ado Annie” in the beloved musical "Oklahoma,” based on “Green Grow the Lilacs,” by Lynn Riggs, a cousin but more of a father-figure to Larry as a young boy.
Larry attended various schools in Tulsa, including Cascia Hall, graduating from Edison High School in 1959.
He turned down a wrestling scholarship to the University of Oklahoma and enrolled at Northeastern State University.
He embarked on road trips with friends, journeying along the legendary Route 66 to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, where they worked summer jobs in the Pendleton Store between surfing sessions at Trestles and the Wedge.
After completing his Bachelor of Arts degree, he moved to Laguna Beach. While in California, Larry landed a job as a sales associate with Scott Paper Co. His charm and charisma helped him thrive in the business securing clients across Los Angeles and Orange counties, including the renowned Leno LaBianca and his small chain of grocery stores.
His greatest successes in business were the memorable marketing campaigns in the 1970’s for the NASL soccer franchise, the Rowdies, earning accolades from George Steinbrenner himself, claiming the work as the “best in all of sports.”
Tragically, in 1981, Larry suffered near-fatal injuries from a motor vehicle accident in North Africa while on business.
Undeterred by the setback, Larry continued his career and collaborated with renowned figures like George Plimpton, working on projects for the Paris Review and Fireworks by Grucci.
Larry's personal life went through changes, including divorces and remarriages. Eventually, he settled in Santa Fe, where he met his third wife. Together, they operated a vintage western wear and boot store called Cowboy Legends.
Mr. Jennings returned to Tulsa and for the past several years was rarely seen in public due to years of declining health.
Larry is survived by his wife, two ex-wives, three children and three grandchildren.
