Lawrence Felix Roy passed from this life on October 26, 2023, not long after celebrating his 95th birthday with his family. A rosary will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stillwater. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 17, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Ardmore. Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed by going to www.strodefh.com . Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.


Lawrence was born October 1, 1928 to parents, Felix and Agnes (Zvonek) Roy in Stillwater, Oklahoma. As a child, he lived on a farm west of Stillwater until his father was asked to work on the Chapman Family Farms in southern Oklahoma. The family later moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, where his education continued at St. Agnes Academy and St. Gregory's High School of Shawnee. He attended Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma and finished with a B.S. in Agriculture from Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater. In 1953, he married Joelene Marie Highland in Ardmore, Oklahoma and were the first couple married in the new St. Mary's Catholic Church with both families belonging to the same parish.


Lawrence's early work including farm chores, paper routes, working in a garden nursery, and also working at a florist, instilled a great sense of work ethic and pride. This carried forward to his adult endeavors. After college, he began a career in Idabel, Oklahoma with the USDA Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Services. He later moved to Purcell, OK to work in the county office and finished a 36 year career in the state USDA offices in Stillwater. He held a ten year position as a Chief of Administration Division and Compliance Programs, retiring in 1986.


Towards the beginning of his career work in 1946, he enlisted with the Army National Guard and was called in 1950 to active duty, serving as a 1st Sgt in the Korean War. Fortunately, he was discharged from active duty in 1952 due to end of war efforts. Upon coming home, he re-enlisted with the Army National Guard where he continued as an active member for 36 years rising through the ranks to retire as Commanding General of the 45th Infantry Brigade in 1983.


Because of this deep love of country and pride in his military service, he further served in the local American Legion Post. Lawrence served for 65 years, including three terms as Post 129 Commander, nineteen years as Chairman of the American Legion Baseball Program, Oklahoma State Commander (1986-1987) and National Vice Commander (1991-1992). He served on Oklahoma's National Executive Committee for 8 years (1993-2001). Additionally, he served on Oklahoma Department Committees including Counter Subversion, Legislative Military Affairs, and Oklahoma's War Veterans Commission. Some of his local American Legion duties included the operations of Post 129, hall rentals, taking part in graveside flag distribution, cooking pancake breakfasts, and the famous monthly dinners for members which he loved to take part in.

All throughout his life, he has been a faithful and consistent member of the Catholic Church. His faith was at the top of his commitments. Furthermore, he has always supported St. Francis Church, the building of the new St. John's Student Center, and multiple years of belonging to the local Knights of Columbus Chapter. He served many times as Council Program Director and has been elected as a delegate to the Oklahoma State Convention numerous times. Lawrence, being an avid proponent for Catholic education, supported all 7 of his children attending St. Gregory's Junior College in Shawnee. He served as President of St. Gregory's Alumni Association and served on the Board of Trustees as they transitioned to St. Gregory's University.


Most importantly, and center to his life, was his marriage to Joelene for 70+ years. His commitment to his marriage and his family has instilled in his children a strength he has demonstrated his whole life.

On a lighter note, our dad treasured his life-long friendships, his community of church friends, and civic partnerships. After his retirement, Lawrence joined his brother Jean's company as Senior Vice President of Sooner Equipment Service and Sales. He will be remembered for his patriotism, following his children's family events, supporting the OSU Cowboys, enjoying American Legion Baseball, and working his home garden. He loved a good meal, games of pitch, bridge games, and most of all, the many family gatherings.


Lawrence was predeceased in death by his parents, stepmother Helen Kerr Roy, and siblings, Richard Roy, Mary Silovsky, Jean Roy, their spouses and John Hardage.


He is survived by his loving wife, Joelene Roy, and seven children who love him; daughter Theresa Kelley (Tom) of Tulsa, son Dr. Larry Roy (Teddi) of Jones, son, Jim Roy of Edmond, daughter, Fran Torda (Jay) of Colleyville, TX, son, Don Roy (Susan) of Nashville, TN, daughter, Cathy Hughes (Chris) of Sulphur, and son, Patrick Roy (Heidi) of Broken Arrow; extended family of 28 grandchildren with 19 spouses and 34 great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.


The family is so very grateful and incredibly thankful for Lawrence's caregivers who showed him kindness and compassion: Dawn Barnhart, Mary VanZant, Sharon Henry and Karmen Legacy Hospice.


Friends may honor Lawrence's memory with contributions to St. Francis Xavier's outreach to the poor, "The Mother Teresa Ministry", 711 N. Country Club Rd, Stillwater, OK. 74075 or to "The Student Ministry" of St. John's OSU Catholic Student Center, 201 N. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK. 74075 or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be emailed to the family and an online obituary may be viewed by
visiting www.strodefh.com .