Larry Franklin Downey

Larry Franklin Downey was born May 3, 1949 in Stillwater, OK to Frank Earl Downey and Glendola Black. His sister, Linda, was born a year later, and in 1958 Frank & Glendola divorced, leaving him and Linda solely in the care of their father. They were raised largely by friends, family, and neighbors while Frank worked as a truck driver to provide for them. Larry was 10 when Frank met Mary Carlisle, whom he wed in 1960. Larry and his sister were blessed to have her as the woman they lovingly called Mom. This was a turning point in Larry's life, and this newfound security kindled a drive to succeed and improve himself that never diminished. His youngest sister, Sheila, was born in 1961. He graduated from Pawhuska High School in 1968 as a member of National Honor Society and was also voted as most likely to succeed. He quickly set off for the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design. While at OU, he met his wife, Eileen Hearn, and in 1971 his first son, Shawn, was born. Shortly afterwards, he was drafted into the United States Army where he was stationed in North Carolina and served as an MP. During this period in 1973, his only daughter, Jenny, was born in Fayetteville, NC. When he was discharged from the Army, the family moved back to Oklahoma where Larry found work with Jim Cooley, a contractor who would later become a friend and mentor. Jimmy encouraged Larry and a friend, Rod Delano, to begin working for themselves. His second son, Brandon, was born during the early stages of Larry's professional career in 1974. Larry's hard work and perseverance from the late 70's thru the 90's established him in the construction field. During the lean times of the oil bust, he managed to build his home in Edmond where he and Eileen raised their 3 oldest children. In 1986, his youngest son, Matt, was born in Edmond, and shortly afterwards Larry and Eileen parted ways. Larry retained an active role in the children's lives as he continued to flourish in the construction industry. Larry and a friend discovered a small cabin in West Yellowstone, MT. He immediately fell in love with the splendor and developed a love of fly fishing. He would share summer months hosting family and friends in this haven the rest of his life. In 2020, he retired and sold the company he and his son Brandon formed together in 1999 to Brandon. Larry settled into his new home in Norman, enjoying the camaraderie and company of family and friends until June 25, 2023, when he died suddenly in the peaceful oasis he created.Larry is preceded in death by his father, Frank. He is survived by his four children: Shawn (Talia) and daughters Freya & Mira; Jenny; Brandon (Michele) and daughter Carly; and Matt (Christina) and children Elliott and Meadow; mother of his children, Eileen; Larry's mother, Mary; sisters Linda & Sheila; nephew Shane and a great nephew & great niece; and many other beloved family members, friends, and co-workers. Services will be held 2pm Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (due to unforeseen circumstances, livestreaming will not be available for Larry's service). Flowers & offerings can be sent to Smith & Kernke Funeral Home (14624 N. May Avenue, OKC, OK 73134).