Larry 'Tiny' Vernon Fears

Larry “Tiny” Vernon Fears, fisherman extraordinaire, of Gore, Oklahoma went home to his Lord and Savior on January 26, 2024 at the age of 75, at St. Francis Hospital in Muskogee, Oklahoma, surrounded by his loved ones. Larry was born on October 10, 1948 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to O.T., Jr. and Betty Fears. He was the third of eight children.

He is survived by two children: son, Jason (Lori) Morris and daughter, Dena (Brian) Cole; grandchildren, Addison and Lauren Morris, Colten (Kristian) Clay, Kolby (Mikaila) Clay and Tanner Clay; great-grandchildren, Ivirie, Parker, Paysen and Kollyns Clay. Also surviving him are his siblings, O.T. (Marie) Fears III, Gary Fears, Nancy (David) Griggs, Amiee (Mike) Jones, Ann Wallace; and brothers-in-law, Johnnie Ford and Robert Wallace. Larry leaves behind many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, one great-great-nephew, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, O.T, Jr. and Betty Fears; one sister, Merry Ford; and one brother, John Fears.

Larry graduated from Sallisaw High School and continued his education at NSU in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, graduating with a degree in Wildlife Biology. After a brief stint as a biology teacher, Larry worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers until his retirement in 2005. Thereafter, he was employed to do contract work for the Corps to help people affected by natural disasters. He traveled to many places while doing this contract work where he made many new friends as was his way.

Larry was an avid hunter and fisherman having enjoyed these sports most of his life. He also enjoyed watching birds, of which he could identify many species, that loved calling his pecan trees home. He loved watching the deer that come for daily visits. He was also a master squirrel exterminator!

Larry loved his community of Gore and all the friends that he had there. Larry was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church and served in many capacities there. He was passionate about his faith and loved sharing it with others.

Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at First Baptist Church, 106 East 5th Street, Gore, Oklahoma 74435, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association or First Baptist Church, Gore, Oklahoma.