Larry Gene New

Funeral service for Larry Gene New will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2026 in Letitia Baptist Church with Rev. Matt Kelly, Pastor officiating.

Burial will follow in Letitia Cemetery under direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends from 5-7 pm Thursday at the funeral home.

The service may be viewed by following the livestream link at www.beckerfuneral.com or by visiting the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Facebook page.

Larry Gene New passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Lawton, Oklahoma, at the age of 80. He was born on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1946, in Snyder, Oklahoma, to Wiley and Wynema (Ryder) New.

Larry grew up in Lawton, where he attended Garfield Elementary School and Tomlinson Junior High School before graduating from Lawton High School in 1964. He continued his education at Cameron State Agricultural College, earning an associate degree, and later received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in Counseling from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Larry had a lifelong passion for rodeo. Following high school graduation, he and several of his buddies attended Jim Shoulders Rodeo School. He loved competing in rodeos and earned a spot on the Oklahoma State University rodeo team, where he formed many lifelong friendships and created countless stories. While attending OSU, he met Myrna Smith on a blind date. They were married on February 3, 1968, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and shared an amazing marriage for more than 58 years. Together they were blessed with two sons, Kelly and Marty, who were Larry’s pride and joy and whom he loved dearly.

Larry began a 30-year career with Lawton Public Schools as a teacher and basketball coach at Tomlinson Junior High School. To generations of students and athletes, he was simply known as “Coach New”. Later, he was given the opportunity to head the Agriculture Department, teaching horticulture at both Lawton High School and MacArthur High School. Throughout his career, he maintained a special place in his heart for his students and took great pride in their accomplishments.

Larry remained actively involved in the agricultural community throughout both his career and retirement. He was a member and former chairman of the Comanche County Saddle and Sirloin Club and managed the Great Plains Coliseum. He was also a dedicated member of the Lawton Rangers, serving as president, rodeo chairman, and member of the board of directors. In addition, he served on the Agriculture Committee of the Lawton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Larry grew up attending Trinity Baptist Church in Lawton and later attended Letitia Baptist Church. In his later years, he enjoyed spending summers in South Fork, Colorado. He loved snow skiing and was a proud member of the “Geronimo Ski Team.” He also enjoyed cruises with camping friends, attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, fishing trips, four-wheeling adventures, and watching his grandsons show pigs and goats. Known affectionately as “Grumps” by his grandchildren, Larry wore the nickname with pride and treasured the special bond he shared with each of them.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58½ years, Myrna; his sons and daughters-in-law, Kelly and Jenny New of Sterling, Oklahoma, and Marty and Janette New of Lawton; four grandchildren, Carson, Gunner, Jacob, and Isaac; his brother-in-law, Tony Gulley; his sister-in-law, Lora McDonald; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Pete and Betty Smith; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bid and Lucy Ryder and Sam and Jewel New; his parents, Wiley and Wynema New; his in-laws, Carl and Kathleen Smith; his brother, Kim New; his sister, Jaree Gulley; and a special cousin, Odis New.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to your favorite charity in Larry’s honor.

A very special thank you is extended to the caregivers in the Memory Care Unit at Morada.  They took awesome care of Larry and loved him dearly.  We also want to thank the staff of Complete OK Hospice, who were amazing. God bless each of you, and thank you.