Larry Stokesberry

Larry Gene Stokesberry was born on May 20, 1955, in Borger, Texas, to Helen Clyde Stokesberry and Gene William Stokesberry. He entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 21, 2025, after a wonderful weekend celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary along with his and Debbie’s 70th birthdays.

His favorite childhood memories were early mornings on his granddad’s farm, milking cows before sunrise and riding his horse, Sonny Boy. Growing up, his family moved often, living in many states, but his love for sports, especially baseball, basketball, and football, was always a constant.

Larry’s family moved to Cincinnati his freshman year, where he attended Lakota High School. It was there that he first saw the love of his life, Debbie. Upon seeing her, he thought, “That’s the girl I want to marry,” a thought that startled him and he immediately suppressed it. Little did he know that thought would lead to a lifetime together. The two began dating after graduation and were married when Larry was 19 and Debbie was 20. Larry loved to joke about marrying an older woman, although their birthdays were only four days apart, with their wedding falling between them.

Upon graduating from the University of Cincinnati, they moved to Dallas, where Larry began his successful career as a computer programmer. Larry was known for sharing stories about the history of computing and early technology, often making people wonder if he’d been there from the very start.

While living in Dallas, Debbie and Larry were blessed with two wonderful children, Nicole and Lucas. Every summer, the family enjoyed camping and waterskiing until sunset on Lake Ouachita, Larry’s favorite vacation spot.

Larry was a man of deep faith, spending hours each day in the Word of God and praying. He went on several mission trips to Myanmar with his dear friends Dawn and Gene, where he loved sharing the gospel with the people there. Larry loved to share the gospel with everyone and often carried a Bible tract to give to the one he was witnessing to. He was deeply involved at Prestonwood Baptist Church, where he served in Sunday School, helped with the children’s choir and Midweek, and led an online life group. On his birthday celebration, during his and Debbie's last date night together, the night before he went home to our Lord, Larry joyfully shared the gospel with their waiter, a reflection of his devotion to sharing God’s word.

In his later years, he became a granddad to his precious grandchildren, Drew and Kate. They were the joy of his life, and he never missed a chance to spend time with them. He especially enjoyed cheering at their sporting events, reading the Bible, telling stories and playing baby dolls with Kate, and hearing from Drew about what he was learning at church and during his personal devotions.

Larry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Debbie Stokesberry; his daughter, Nicole Wylie and her husband, David; his son, Lucas Stokesberry; his grandchildren, Drew Wylie and Kate Wylie; his sister, Sherri Stokesberry Thomas; his brother, Mark Stokesberry; his mother-in-law, Mary Lou Beck; his brother-in-law, Bob Sievers; and his sister-in-law, Sandy Mallery; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Larry leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion that will be cherished by all who knew him.

There will be a celebration of Larry’s life at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 2, 2025, at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Faith Chapel, Plano, Texas. A reception will follow the service.

Larry will be laid to rest at Plano Mutual Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Prestonwood Pregnancy Center at: https://prestonwoodpregnancy.org/donate/