Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

Larry Russell Nolan, age 73, died peacefully in his sleep on May 27th, 2018 at his home in Durant, OK, due to natural causes from heart failure. Larry was born October 27, 1944 in Athens, Texas, to father, Russell Joseph Nolan (who, at the time, was serving in the US Army in Europe in World War II), and mother, Bonnie Christine (Johnston) Nolan. He grew up in Trinidad, Texas.

Larry married his beloved wife of 50 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Joan (Henderson) Nolan, June 21, 1968 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Dallas. They moved to the Durant area in 1969 and have lived there since. Larry and Betty had two children; a son, Stephen Michael Nolan (Bryan, TX; spouse, Olga Nolan); and a daughter, Laura Elizabeth (Nolan) Koval (deceased; spouse, Michael Paul Koval, Durant). Larry and Betty, both professors at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU), enjoyed spending their summers together with the family at Lake Texoma: swimming, sailing, and waterskiing. Together, they have both been faithful members of the St. William Catholic Church in Durant for close to 50 years. Larry graduated from Trinidad High School May 27, 1963; and from the Elkins Institute of Radio and Electronics in Dallas, Texas, July 27, 1965. He received an associate degree in arts from Henderson County Junior College in Athens, Texas, May 29, 1969; and completed both his Bachelor of Science degree from SOSU, July 31, 1970, and his Master of Education from SOSU, July 27, 1973.

Larry held a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radiotelephone Operator License, and a General Class Amateur (ham) Radio Operator License (K5MWT). He was a passionate aviator, holding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airplane Single- and Multi-Engine Land Instrument Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor certificates, as well as Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authorization, and Radio Repairman certificates. He was happiest when flying and especially enjoyed taking guests flying over Lake Texoma and Durant. Larry retired in May 1997 from a 27-year career as a professor at SOSU. In addition to teaching, in 1975 he started Nolan Avionics, an aircraft electronics business at Durant Eaker Airport, and operated it as a family business, until his recent decline of health. He had also pioneered a business marketing his “Hiccups Away” cure.

Larry was proceeded in death by his parents; and his daughter. He is survived by his wife and son; brother, Gary Lee Nolan (Trinidad, TX; spouse, Kathy Yvonne Nolan); sister, Lisa Ann (Nolan) Horton (Fairfield, TX; spouse, Robin Christopher Horton); granddaughters, Audrey Marie Nolan (Phoenix, AZ) and Emily Elizabeth Nolan (Tucson, AZ); several nephews and nieces; and many relatives by marriage.

An open-casket viewing is to be held at Brown’s Funeral Service, 4900 W Old Highway 70, Durant, OK on Friday, June 1st at 6:00 PM. A catholic funeral mass will be held at St. William Catholic Church, 802 W University Blvd, Durant, OK, Saturday, June 2nd at 11AM, Fr. Oby Zunmas presiding and Deacon Albert Miller co-presiding, followed by a family reception hosted by the ladies of the St. William Altar Society in the parish hall. Larry’s final resting place will be in the Durant Highland Cemetery.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. William Catholic Church in Durant.