Larry R. Arnel

Larry Arnel 1943 – 2017 Larry Arnel, 73, of Muskogee, Oklahoma went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 surrounded by his family. Born on April 27, 1943 in California, Larry graduated from Henryetta High School before moving to Muskogee, Oklahoma. As a teen, Larry gave his life to the Lord and later joined the congregation at Immanuel Baptist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma along with his wife, Mary Ann Cooper Arnel, whom he married in 1981. Mary Ann, his best friend and soul mate, was a constant by his side until he left this earth. Larry was the voice of KBIX radio in Muskogee, Oklahoma for over 20 years while serving as the Director for the station. In addition to his time at KBIX, Larry was also the announcer for Muskogee Rougher sports and Thunderbird Speedway and quickly became known as “The Voice of Muskogee.” In 1972, Larry became the world record holder for his participation of a Wake-A-Thon where he broadcasted live for 192 hours to raise money for the Mayor’s Council for Drug Abuse which raised a total of $11,000. The city of Muskogee held a parade and a dance in his honor and Mayor Robert, H. Lomax designated a Tuesday in October, 1972, as “Arnel day”. Following his radio career, he served as a Muskogee Police Department 911 operator as well a federal and private security officer. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Eva Mae and Lewis Ernest of Henryetta, Oklahoma, his brother, Jerry Ernest of Sapulpa, Oklahoma and furry babies Maggie Mae and Lucy Lou of the home. Larry leaves behind a large loving family including seven children, Laura Trussell, Darryl Arnel, Delana Niece, Tammy Turney and Lori Jorgenson all of Muskogee, Calli Mathers of Tulsa and Calvin Roberts of Oklahoma City, their families, two furry children, Lucy and Holly of the home, numerous grandchildren and great children, as well as a host of family, friends and fans. Funeral services honoring Larry’s life will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Ben Mathers, Brian McCoin, Calvin Roberts, Darryl Arnel, Lon Turney, Mark Mathers, Ron Niece and Shelby Brassfield serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Buck Thornton, Clifton Trussell, Frank Hardcastle, Harley Hamm, Sr., James Dennis, James Tye, Leon Seifried, Lou Kelly, Major Marion Parson, Odel Pamplin, Roger Lee, Russell Blankenship Tim Gilmore and Tom Foy.

Larry R. Arnel

April 27, 1943 - January 10, 2017