Funeral Services for Larry Don Jensen, age 77 will be Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery. Local arrangements are by Fairview Funeral Home, Inc.

Larry was born October 31, 1934, in Enid, Oklahoma to Alfred Christian and Avarella (Sturgeon) Jensen and died March 23, 2012, at Integris Bass Baptist in Enid, Oklahoma.

Larry grew up in Fairview and graduated from Fairview High School in 1953. He attended Southern Methodist University before transferring to the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a BA degree. On September 14th, 1957, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Sue Schultz. After graduation, Larry served 2 years as a Special Agent in the Army Counter Intelligence Corp and another 9 years in the army reserves.

Larry and Sue returned to Fairview in 1960, and Larry went to work with his father in the family business, Jensen's, Inc. As a boy, Larry grew up working at Jensen's and had many jobs including serving as janitor and delivering appliances. It was while sweeping the show room floor that he met the love of his life, Sue, as her family purchased a car. Upon his return to the business, he served the dealership in many capacities until being named president in 1993. In 2008, Larry was honored by the Oklahoma Automobile Dealers' Association by receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Under Larry's proud eye, Jensen's, Inc. celebrated 80 years in business in December 2011.

Larry's commitment to the community included a 50 year membership in the Fairview Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president, chair of committees and community events. In 2003, he was recognized with the Chamber's Lifetime Achievement award. He was a 40 year-supporter of livestock trophies and awards for area youth and even tutored Jr. High social studies' students. He also was Chairman in securing Northwest Technology Center for Fairview and led the efforts to secure the funding.

Larry held positions in state and local automobile dealer associations, the Republican Party, American Heart Association, University of Oklahoma Alumni Association Board of Directors and Northwestern Oklahoma State University Advisory Council. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi, the American Legion, Fairview Lion's Club and a 50-year member of the Fairview Masonic Lodge.

Larry loved the Lord and was a witness to God's faithfulness and goodness. He proudly would tell that he was a life-time member of the Fairview Methodist Church where he served in several positions at the local and district level, as well teaching high school Sunday school. Larry had a God-given gift of singing and was a 50+ year member of the church choir. As a boy, he toured the United States with a youth choral group and sang in churches throughout the country. He continued to share his love of singing through the years, as he blessed others with his voice at community and state events, weddings, funerals and celebrations.

Next to Christ, Larry's greatest love was his family. His time spent with family was most important to him and took precedence over all else. Some of his greatest joy was the time with family at their Colorado home. He also enjoyed sharing his passion for OU football with family and friends. For immediate and extended family, he was the one called upon when trouble arose or a level-head was needed. In his later years, his schedule and energy was focused around his grandchildren's activities.

Larry was considerate, selfless, compassionate and a true gentleman. He was an eternal optimist and always had words of encouragement to share with others. He truly believed that "Every day is a good day" and "It will all work out" and shared this philosophy with all.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, of the home; a son, Don Jensen, Plano, Texas; daughter, Susan Smith and husband Todd of Fairview; grandchildren, Abby and Jensen, Fairview; a sister, Lacretia Wilson Hunter and husband Jim of Cushing; sister-in-law Jane Schultz Driskell and husband Jerry of Blairsville, Georgia. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.