Obit of Gorr, Gottfried "Larry" - Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 31 Jul 2005 Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ========================================================================== Gorr, Gottfried "Larry" Lt. Col. Gottfried "Larry", of OKC died on Dec. 31, 2002. Larry was born on Nov. 6, 1917 in Maywood, IL, the eldest son of David & Julianna Gorr, German immigrants from Russia. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marilyn Gorr, 4 daughters, Patsy Shepherd of OKC, Kathy Shellenberg & husband, Wayne of Pearland, TX, Gwynn Lumpkin & husband Kim of Rockport, TX, Julie Arnold & husband, Ken of Tulsa, OK and a son, Ronald Gorr, missing since 1967; 14 grandchildren, Kerry Knisley & husband, Jason, Casey Shepherd & wife, Jayna, Rose Ann Holzman & husband, Brad, Robert Robbins, Jeremy, David and Kevin Elbert, Christopher & Johnathon George, Beth, Maggie and Ginny Arnold, Valerie Lumpkin and Vanessa Lumpkin Mize, and 4 great grandchildren, Krystal & Kristopher Sweeney, Brandon Holzman and Robert Robbins, IV. He was "Papa Larry" to all of them. Other survivors include 2 sisters, Amalia Michael & Eleanor Steinke & husband, Frank; 3 brothers, Alex & wife, Lovie, David & wife, Vi and Henry & wife Mary, (all of whom reside in the Chicago area), a brother-in-law, Paul Clowers & wife, Mabel of OKC and numerous nieces and nephews. Larry attended school in Melrose Park, IL and graduated from Proviso High School in Maywood, IL in 1935. He attended several universities during his military career and graduated from Hardin Simmons University, Abilene, TX in 1972. Larry enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and flew in 21 combat missions as a radar navigator on the European front during WW II. After the war he stayed in the Air Force Reserve until recalled to active duty in 1949 where he remained until 1969. Larry flew in B-17's, B-29's, B-47's and B-52's and served as an intelligence officer state side and in the Vietnam Headquarters in Saigon in 1967-68. During his 26 year military career Larry was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Joint service and Air Force Commendation Medals, Presidential Unit Citation and National Defense Medal as well as many others for his contribution on the European- African fronts in WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. Following his retirement in 1972, Larry and Rose and Julie (only child still at home) moved to OKC where Larry worked as a Disaster Assistant for Air Defense for the State of OK and as an auditor and investigator for DHS. He retired a 2nd time in 1983 and he and Rose spent much of their time traveling and "enjoying retirement". Larry served as commander for the Moore DAV, #72 for 6 years (1986-1992). He was a member of the Moore American Legion as well as the VFW, German Bible Group, the AHSGR (and was a member of Hillcrest Christian Church. As the son of German immigrants, Larry was forever grateful for his parents" decision to come to America. He loved God, his country he served so faithfully and his family. He liked to garden, harvest his pecans, and sing, especially in German. Larry spent the last 3 years of his life in the VA Center, Norman, OK. His family extends their heartfelt thanks for the good care and compassion given to him during this difficult time. They have made his last journey more comfortable for him and his family and the family thanks you. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Sat. Jan. 4, 2003 at the South Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary. Interment will be 2:00 p.m at Highland Cemetery, Okemah, OK. VONDEL L. SMITH & SON MORTUARY 6934 S. Western 634-1439 Published in the Oklahoman from 1/3/2003 - 1/4/2003. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html