Larry Dwayne Gaylord

Larry Dwayne Gaylord, 70, went home to be with Jesus on November 3, 2025. Though his passing was unexpected, those who knew Larry know that he was more than ready to meet his Savior, and he had spent a lifetime helping others do the same.

Larry was born to Truman and Joan Gaylord on July 10, 1955, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, on Oklahoma Street, and raised in Kansas, where he graduated from Augusta High School. A talented wrestler, he placed in multiple state competitions and carried that same determination throughout his life. He earned multiple degrees, including a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from Friends University and his Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.) and B.S. in Biology from Texas Chiropractic College. He also attended Bible College at Jimmy Swaggert College.

Larry dedicated much of his life to ministry and service. As a hospice chaplain, he comforted countless families and guided those nearing the end of life with compassion, humor, and unwavering faith. Sharing the word of God wasn’t just his career—it was his calling. He also volunteered his ministry to local churches and prisons, bringing hope and light wherever he went.

His greatest earthly joys were his family, his dogs (all lovingly called “palstirs”), and cheering on his beloved OU Sooners—“Boomer Sooner!”

He married the love of his life, Susan Gaylord, on December 23, 1996, affectionately calling her “Dogweazel,” a nickname from her character in a play she was in when they first started dating. Together they built a life filled with faith, laughter, and family. 

Larry was the proud father of Jennifer Walker (Jacob), Brittany Gaylord (Francisco Brito), Josephine Johnson (Randall), Jeremiah Gaylord, and Nicholas Evans, and loving stepfather to Joshua Brown (Michelle) and Jacob Brown (Gennifer).

Larry leaves behind a large and loving family, including grandchildren Leonidas, Reece, Sawyer, Tristan, Ashley, David, Jayden, Raini, Jessica, Jacob, Juli, Brailea, Jason, Zoey, Nathan, Addison, Evan, and Autumn; and great-grandchildren Azaria, Jakobi, Harper, Emaijah, Cassie, Owen, Rhys, Jacob Jr., and Maggie.

He is survived by his brothers Jimmy Gaylord and Mike Helmer (Trisha), and foster mother Jodene Helmer. He is preceded in death by his parents Joan Harding and Truman Gaylord, his foster father Grant Helmer, brother Bobby Gaylord, identical twin Gary Gaylord, stepson Jason, and grandson Keith (KZ).

Larry also leaves behind his cherished dogs Callie, Scout, Abbey, Dexter, and Millie who were truly part of his family. He is preceded in death by his beloved palstirs Higgins, Emma, Zeus, and Bella, who no doubt greeted him joyfully in Heaven with wagging tails.

Larry had the best laugh, the sharpest wit, and the biggest heart. He never met a stranger—or a dog—he didn’t love. His legacy of kindness, humor, and faith will live on in everyone blessed to have known him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

“For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written:

• Death has been swallowed up in victory.
• Where, O Death, is your victory?
• Where, O Death, is your sting?’”
• — 1 Corinthians 15:53–55

More information on a Celebration of Larry’s life will follow.