Larry Christian

Larry Gene Christian passed away in his home in Lubbock on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 80. He was born on August 1st, 1945, in Lubbock, Texas to Lawrence Wester “Babe” and Mattie Grace (Oden) Christian. Larry grew up in the Overton neighborhood of Lubbock, attending Carol Thompson Jr. High and Lubbock High School. He continued his education at Lubbock Christian College where he played basketball and then finished his education degree and subsequent Masters degree at Texas Tech. While at LCC, he met Marilyn Estes. Their marriage began on December 23, 1966 and lasted 52 years. Larry lovingly cared for Marilyn for several years when she was diagnosed with and eventually succumbed to dementia.

Larry impacted countless lives throughout his 80 years. He was a teacher and a coach at Mackenzie Junior High, Coronado High School, and Lubbock High School. He then transitioned to school administration becoming the Assistant Principal at Lubbock High and later head principal at O.L. Slaton Junior High. After retiring from public education, Larry became a professor in the Education Department at Lubbock Christian University. He served as an elder at Broadway Church of Christ and as a board member of the Lubbock Children’s Home.

Larry had many hobbies and interests, but two of his favorites were playing golf and working out. Over the last decade, Larry could barely walk, but he was still playing golf weekly, even shooting his age several times. In addition, he worked out daily, whether it was running, swimming, or weightlifting, until his body wouldn’t allow him to continue. Other interests included woodworking in his shop, writing poems, reading about the brain, and studying church history. However, with all these interests, his greatest joy came from watching his kids and his grandchildren participate in their various sports and activities. He was the proud grandpa cheering in the stands. He frequently traveled hundreds of miles to watch a single game, an award ceremony, or a talent show. He bragged about his kids, daughters-in-law, and grandkids to almost everyone he talked to.

Ultimately, Larry was an encourager. He enjoyed building others up and bragging to others about them. This, of course, included his family but also lifelong friends, people who served him at restaurants, and even someone he had just met.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Survivors include his sons, Toby and his wife Caren, Ryan and his wife Kelly, Kinsey Christian Lee and her husband Ben, Maddie, Kyler and his wife Grace, Ethan, and Karis.

In the end, the most important and significant aspect of the life of Larry Gene Christian was that he was a believer and follower of Jesus Christ!

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Broadway Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Children’s Home of Lubbock, https://childshome.org/?campaign=752505.