Ken Thurman Larison

Ken was born January 25, 1953, in Alva, Oklahoma, to Margaret Mae (Lohmann) and Paul Wesley Larison. From a young age, he was a curious little guy, often taking things apart to see how they worked and typically putting them back together. Growing up in Alva as the second oldest of five children, Ken was known for his sweet, kind, thoughtful, and quiet nature, a loving presence who often took the blame for his siblings' youthful adventures. He also possessed an adventurous and occasionally ornery spirit, a trait that some say lead to an unscheduled barn burning and possibly a car being pushed off a mountain in Colorado. The family later moved to Bartlesville where Ken attended Col-Hi with the Class of 1971. He skipped his senior year of high school and enlisted in the Navy at 17, receiving an honorable discharge before returning home to pursue his passion for cars. Eventually earning his GED, Ken went on to attend Tri-County Technology Center, where he completed training in automotive mechanics. Driven by his passion, Ken embarked on his career in mechanics at Russ Rogers’ Chevy City. Demonstrating a commitment to excellence, he became a lifelong learner, attaining multiple Automotive Service Excellence certifications. This dedication established him as a master diagnostic technician who relished the challenge of tackling “unsolvable cases.” His entrepreneurial spirit led him and a friend to later open L&S Automotive in Tulsa, where they not only repaired vehicles but also sponsored and operated the L&S Special #29 dirt track race car. Ken's skill at creatively interpreting racing regulations earned him several track championships and "local legend" status at the Tulsa and Caney Speedways. His career also included a period as a truck driver before being hired at Phillips 66 Transportation Center where he traveled the country welding inside the large fuel tanks of airplane refueling rigs. Returning to his enduring love of mechanics, Ken partnered with his brother Greg in 1989 to open A. C. & E. Service. There, he applied his expertise to a diverse range of machinery, from mowers to Mercedes, and backhoes to Broncos. He busted a few knuckles, and shed more than a little blood, sweat and tears to bring the fastidious service that each customer had come to expect. In his later years, he returned to the source of his passion, focusing on the classic cars that had first captivated him. Ken's creativity extended beyond the garage; he was also a gifted singer-songwriter with a lifelong passion for music that began in his childhood, singing in the church choir. He honed his talents playing in various dinner clubs and bars around town and proudly recorded two songs that received airplay on local radio, fueling his dreams of making it big. With that ambition, he ventured to Nashville to pursue his musical aspirations. While the Nashville music industry didn't fully embrace him, the music Ken created brought immense joy and celebration to his family and friends, making him a star in their hearts. He shared this gift intimately, singing his children to sleep at night, and brought joy to family gatherings by leading enthusiastic family singalongs featuring his renditions of favorites like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "Folsom Prison Blues," and the more lighthearted "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road." From a young age, Ken was captivated by golf, a passion that grew during his teenage years working at the Hillcrest Country Club pro shop. He envisioned a life where golf played a central role. However, the responsibilities of a young family meant he had to postpone fully embracing this dream. His love for the game persisted, and in later years, as time allowed, he celebrated several achievements, including a cherished couples tournament win with Kathy, thanks to a long, decisive putt by Ken. Sunset Golf Club was a frequent destination, conveniently near his work. His retirement found him living on Adam’s Golf Course, close to the spot on the third hole where he scored his memorable 171-yard hole-in-one. Shortly after turning 18, Ken married Jeanece Hall. They had two sons, Bryan, born roughly a year and a half later, and Jon-Paul, who arrived nearly eight years after his brother. His family also grew to include a stepson, Curtis. Although he was often separated by distance and the busyness of life, he always kept up with and was so happy to tell about the many activities and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. A father that always made sure Christmases were memorable, he continued that tradition with his grandchildren. The annual lunch of hot cheeseburgers with gravy overall and envelopes full of cash made Grandpa Ken’s house a favorite at Christmas time. Ken would eventually meet the love of his life Kathy Link. Their commitment to each other needed no formal certification, as their love and devotion defined over two decades of their lives together, a partnership that continued until the early morning hours of that fateful Saturday when Ken peacefully earned his heavenly reward, with Kathy close by. Ken is survived by the “Love of His Life,” Kathy Link; his children, Bryan Larison and wife Angie, and Jon-Paul Larison; his stepson, Curtis Evans; his siblings, Anita Harris and husband David, Greg Larison and wife Michelle, Janet Griggs and husband David, and Susan Larison; and his five grandchildren, Keely Faith Larison, Hanna Michelle Larison, Adrian Grace Larison, Dylan Paul Larison, and Madilyn Mae Larison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Margaret Larison. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2025, at Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 4201 Nowata Road, Bartlesville, OK 74006, 918-333-7665, with Ryan Baker officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Ken Thurman Larison

January 25, 1953 - March 29, 2025