Larry R. Stroud

Larry R. Stroud came into this world on October 20th, 1943 in Big Spring, Texas; growing up in the oil fields around Forsan. In high school, Larry was elected Vice President of his Senior Class and had a successful run as a linebacker on the Forsan Buffaloes football team. He graduated High School in 1962. Larry saved his money from working in the oilfields and bought a brand new blue 1955 Chevy. His love of the great American muscle car and the open road lead him to a brief but spectacular career in street racing and then on to race for Ford, holding a national record for a long while in the ¼ mile. Larry R. Stroud and Janie Eileen Barber were married on a sunny June 18th in 1965. They had a son, two daughters and along the way, brought a few others into the family by way of informal adoption. After serving for 6 years in the Midland Police Department and advancing to the rank of Sergeant, Larry worked in many varying fields for a time. Then one day, he bought a used van and took out an ad in this newspaper in order to start a new career as “The Handyman”. Built upon word-of-mouth and a couple of small but well - executed jobs fixing screen doors and loose floorboards, Larry worked hard to establish a thriving, successful remodeling business which lasted for 42 years. Throughout the years and taking on many incarnations, Larry Stroud’s business evolved, employing many people. Larry became a noteworthy and active member of the local business community. Working tirelessly to manifest the remodeling dreams of countless clients, turning many of them into lifelong friends. His skill as a home builder/remodeler soon become very much in demand and the waiting list for his services grew quite long. The reach of his influence, both professional and personal, has touched the lives of so many. Larry loved fishing, gardening, photography, poker, the regular milking of casino machines and card dealers, watching NASCAR, drag races and old westerns. He was a solid rock in a world that is more often than not surrounded by the waters of chaos and turmoil. The world is left with many people who were the recipients of his generosity and help; either fatherly, financially; or in the currency of a more effective and honest way of looking at things, delivered within a quick, crystal-clear bit of sage advice. Larry passed away peacefully after a long illness. He was at home and surrounded by his family as was his wish. Those left to cherish his memory and larger than life personality are: his wife Janie Stroud, his children: Donnie Stroud of Austin, Nicki Stroud and Brandi Lopez of Midland, 4 grandchildren, 3 great - grandchildren (and one on the way). The family would like to thank: Wilson Nyamwatta, RN - BSN from the Oncology floor at MMH for his professional, upbeat, instructional and tireless care; Tiffany Hansen, MSN, RN, FNP - C; Juan Chavarria or “J.C.”, (Valet Attendant Manager Supreme of the Craddick Bldg.); Dr. Manny Mangat and his entire wonderful staff; Dr. Scott Akins and his great crew at the Texas Oncology Radiation Department, (especially Brian Nabhan); Robert, Head Gear - Guru at Midland Performance Headquarters; Chelley Jones and Hospice of Midland The family requests that any memorial donations be given to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Midland, or to the charity of one’s choice. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home at 4-pm on Friday the 28th of April. Casual attire is requested as per the Boss Man’s instructions.

Tributes

Larry R. Stroud

October 20, 1943 - April 20, 2017