Nov. 6, 1938– March 19, 2023
Larry Don Nightengale of Cordell, Oklahoma passed away unexpectedly in Oklahoma City on March 19, 2023 and was reunited with the love of his life. Larry was born on November 6, 1938, to Walter and Nora (Lau) Nightengale. Larry’s mom passed when he was seven years old and was raised by his stepmother Agatha Nightengale Wolgemuth. Larry grew up and attended school in Fairview, Bessie, and Clinton Jr. High. He met the love of his life, Melba Jean Brown, while attending Corn Bible Academy where he graduated in 1958. After high school, he attended Southwestern Oklahoma State College for one year.
Larry and Jean married on April 11, 1959. To this union two children were born, Kevin Don and Lisa Janene. Family was very important to Larry, and he treasured his time with his children and grandchildren. In his early years, he worked with his dad for many years as a carpenter. He also worked at Southwestern Oklahoma State College in the maintenance department. His true love was farming and ranching and eventually farmed full time.
Larry was a member of the Bible MB Church in Cordell. He loved to sing. Larry sang in quartets in school and church. He served as the church choir director and song leader for many years. He also served as a deacon, trustee, and was on the church council.
His favorite time of the year was wheat harvest. He loved his time in the wheat field with his family, and the five course meals shared in the field. Larry loved and enjoyed his grandchildren. He loved attending their school events, church activities, and sporting events. He was their biggest supporter. He rarely missed an activity. Larry read his daily devotional and prayed for his children, and grandchildren every day. On August 25, 2022, Larry lost his wife of 63 years and missed Jean every day. They are now reunited and celebrating. Larry was a man of few words. He always knew more than he ever let on and a Christian example to many. He answered to Larry, Waldo, and according to his high school yearbook, Romeo. But most importantly, he was known as dad, papa, and a shining example of a man of God. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.
He is survived by: Children: Kevin and wife Sherry Nightengale of Cordell, Oklahoma Lisa and husband Wayne Willard of Lookeba-Sickles, Oklahoma. Grandchildren: Slade and wife Jennifer Nightengale of Foss, Oklahoma, Colton Henson and fiancé, Madi Smith of Cordell, Oklahoma, Dawson Willard of Lookeba- Sickles, Oklahoma, Ellie Willard of Lookeba- Sickles, Oklahoma Great- Grandchildren: Draper Nightengale of Foss, Oklahoma, Briggs Nightengale of Foss, Oklahoma. Sister in law: Millie Maynard of Weatherford, Oklahoma, and a host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his Wife Melba “Jean” Nightengale, parents Walter and Nora Nightengale, stepmother Agatha Nightengale Wohlegemuth. and sister Carolyn Kuter.
Funeral: 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 24, 2023, Bible MB Church, Cordell, Oklahoma.
Visitation: 9:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2023 and 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Ray & Martha’s Funeral Home, Cordell, Oklahoma Interment: Bible MB Cemetery, Bessie, Oklahoma Under the direction of Ray & Martha’s Funeral Home, Cordell, OK