Larry L. Adams
OKLAHOMA CITY - Larry L. Adams, faithful servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, triumphantly went to be with Him in heaven on February 5, 2024. He was a kind, gentle, compassionate man until his last breath. He was polite and mannerly with everyone he met, even to those who attended to him at the end. He was a godly gentleman that revealed the love of God to all he came in contact with.
Larry vehemently loved his family. He cared for his wife Edwine every moment of every day. They were always together, even dressed alike. They loved to travel and literally saw the world together. Larry grieved when their love story ended here on earth with the passing of his bride of 67 years in May, 2020. It was during the height of Covid and he had to suffer alone, yet he did so without complaining.
As a father, Larry was unprecedented. He taught his 4 children to love God and serve Him all the days of their lives. He supported them in all of their events and activities as they grew up and later as adults. When they needed guidance, when they needed help, when they needed advice, when they needed love, he was always there. Larry’s grandchildren adored him. He was so proud of them all. He encouraged and championed them in all of their endeavors. He officiated most of their weddings. It was such a thrill to him when great-grandchildren began to come. He loved having them visit and would always have something to give them, piece of candy, a cookie, a toy and sometimes a $5 bill.
Larry was an avid OU football and girls’ softball fan. He also loved Thunder and his home state’s Kentucky Wildcat basketball. He spent countless hours watching Gunsmoke reruns…Matt Dillion never disappointed.
Larry was born to Orville and Sylvia Adams of Crofton, KY on December 27, 1932. He attended schools in the area and eventually joined the Navy. He served from 1950-53 on the USS Cabot in Panama.
He married Elizabeth Edwine Cansler on December 12, 1953. They were blessed with four children, Pam, Pat, Penny and Polly. As a young husband and father, he was called to the gospel ministry. He immediately began preparing both educationally and theologically. He graduated from Bethel College, Hopkinsville, KY; Austin Peay University, Clarksville, TN; and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY. He received his Doctorate of Ministry degree from California Graduate School of Theology, Garden Grove, CA.
Larry pastored churches in Kentucky until 1967 when God led him to the First Baptist Church of Eufaula, OK as pastor. He also served as pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Shawnee, OK. With OK Baptist University in close proximity, he mentored and encouraged countless numbers of ministerial students. He loved his “preacher boys” and it filled him with joy to watch their ministries flourish. He finished pastoring at First Baptist Church of Piedmont, OK.
Larry’s service to His Lord and His Kingdom work did not end after 25 years of pastoring. He worked as Campus Director of Baptist Village in Oklahoma City and Vice-President of Development for Baptist Village Communities until retirement. It was his and his wife’s influence that led to the development of the Adams Assistance Fund that meets the needs of Baptist Village residents who struggle with limited income, many of whom are retired pastors or pastors’ wives or missionaries or their wives.
Larry is survived by daughter, Pam Lang and husband, Wendell, Verdigris, OK; son, Pat Adams, Edmond, OK; daughter, Penny Cramer and husband Marvin, Norman, OK; and daughter, Polly Latta and husband Andy, Tahlequah, OK. Grandchildren include Lance Lang (Allyson), Leah Peters (Nick), Jillian Payne (Cody), Rachael Netz (Andrew), Jacob Lewis (Madison), Lauren Yates (Max), Drew Latta, Mari Adams, and Madison Adams. Great-grandchildren are Ben, Annie and L.A. Lang; Macie, Lane and Cooper Peters; Yates Payne; and LilliBeth and Marshall Yates.
Larry is also survived by a brother, Ronald Adams and wife, Patricia, Crofton, KY; brother-in-law and sister-in law, Jerry and Zilla Cansler, Hopkinsville, KY; brother-in law, Keith Cornelius, Hopkinsville, KY. Scores of nieces, nephews, peers and friends lovingly remember him as well. Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Edwine; his parents, Orville and Sylvira Adams; sister, Shirley Worthington; and brother, Buddy Adams.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial gifts be sent to the Adams Fund, Baptist Village Communities, 3800 N May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good.” Luke 6:45
Viewing at Mercer-Adams will be Thursday from 9am-8pm with family present from 5-7pm. Funeral services will be at 10:00am, Friday, February 9 at Putnam City Baptist Church. To share condolences, visit www.mercer-adams.com.