Larry Lynn LaRoque

Larry Lynn LaRoque, 80, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home before the service. Larry will be interred at DFW National Cemetery. 

Larry was born January 6, 1944, to Kyril Thurston LaRoque and Geneva Myrl Wagnon LaRoque in Brownwood, Texas. He attended May public schools in May, Texas, and studied economics and finance at Texas A&M University-Commerce. He also studied banking at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

On December 23, 1967, Larry married Linda Gail Smith of Waco. The couple lived in Killeen, Texas, until Larry was deployed to Bien Hoa, Vietnam, in August 1968. He served there until July 1969. After his return, he was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland for one year.

Following his military service, Larry worked as a loan officer in banking and later as a manager in insurance sales. After retirement, he pursued his passion for woodworking, creating furniture and carving and painting character figures. He loved to travel, and he and Linda explored many regions of the United States, with a particular fondness for state and national parks.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Thurston LaRoque; his mother, Geneva LaRoque Prater; and his stepfather, Herman Prater. 

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda LaRoque; his brother, Steven LaRoque, and wife, Jonette; his daughter, Careese LaRoque, and husband, Daniel Flores, of Frisco; his son, Bradley LaRoque, of Waco; his grandson, Pierce O’Geary; and three nephews, Scott LaRoque, Kyle LaRoque, and Ryan LaRoque.

In the months before his passing, Larry professed his faith, bringing great joy and comfort to his family — a true blessing.

We invite you to share a message or memory of Larry in his memorial guestbook at www.WHBfamily.com.