Larry Cordray

Larry Van Cordray, age 66, died peacefully at his home in Vinita on April 21, 2015, after a hard fought battle against cancer. Cancer did not win. Larry was born December 21, 1948 in Vinita to Emory and Alyce (Walker) Cordray. He attended White Oak School and graduated from Vinita High School. Larry had two children while in Vinita, Larry Van Cordray II, and Stephanie Renae Cordray. He said they are his greatest legacy. Upon graduation with a bachelor's degree from Northeastern State College, Larry transferred with Conoco to Ponca City. He started working for Conoco at the Glass House at age 16. He later received a master's degree from Phillips University. Larry served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard from 1971 to 1979 and achieved the rank of lieutenant. He received several commendation medals. Larry had an extensive 35 year career with Conoco living in multiple locations. He told many interesting stories about his friends and experiences in the 17 countries he had worked. While working in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, he met Nancy and they married in 1999. They moved to Vinita in 2004 and established the Rocking C Ranch, an Angus cow/calf operation. In every activity or organization that Larry participated in, he gave 110% and expected that from others. Larry was active in a number of community organizations, including the Craig County Fair Board, Craig County Community Improvement Association, which resulted in the construction of the Craig County Community Center, Craig County Excise Tax Board, Craig County Conservation District Board and the Oklahoma Cattleman's Association. He encouraged youth development through supporting their agricultural and educational projects, and by being a mentor. Larry loved mentoring Aaron Farbro. Larry had been a long time member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church and actively supported the parish through the pastoral council, Oktoberfests, reconstructing the prayer garden, and donating the religious education building. He is currently a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Nowata. Larry is pre-deceased by his father, Emory Cordray, and father-in-law, Bob Adolph. Larry is survived by his wife, Nancy Cordray, son, Van Cordray, daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Glenn Sanders, mother, Alyce Cordray-Green, mother-in-law, Beanie Adolph, brother and sister-in-law, Everett and Linda Cordray, sister and brother-in-law, Lynn and Ron McCormick, grandchildren, Emily Sanders, Katie Sanders, Nolan Sanders and Faeron Dewart-Cordray, and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. The Rosary will be held by Father Jose Thottahil on Friday, April 24, 2015 at 5:30 PM at the Craig County Community Center in Vinita with visitation following until 8:30 PM. The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Craig County Community Center in Vinita. Interment will follow at the Timpson Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made either to Craig County Outreach Cancer Association, PO Box 407, Vinita, OK 74301 or to Casa Juan Diego, PO Box 70113, Houston, TX 77270. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com. Arrangements are by the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita.

Visitation Details

Friday, April 24th, 2015 5:30pm - 8:30pm, Craig County Fairgrounds Community Center

Service Details

Saturday, April 25th, 2015 10:00am, Craig County Fairgrounds and Community Center

Interment Details

Timpson Chapel Cemetery