Lawrence Edward “Larry” Toben of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at his home at the age of 85 years.

Larry Toben was born on December 18, 1934, in Wichita, Kansas, to John and Nora (Brinegar) Toben. He grew up on a farm at 37th and Webb Road and graduated from Benton High School in 1952. He entered the United States Army in 1955 serving in the 3rd Armor Division and was stationed in Frankfort, Germany, for twenty-two months. Following his discharge, he returned to Wichita and began working for Boeing Aircraft before working for Kansas Gas and Electric. He married Dorothy Anna Pool on May 3, 1959, in Deer Creek, Oklahoma. For thirty six years he worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone as a lineman and later a payphone repairman. At the age of 34, Larry was baptized at the Pawnee Christian Church. Following his retirement they moved to Blackwell to make their home. Larry loved spending time on the farm. He also enjoyed fishing, reading, attending auctions and keeping up the “tales” at the coffee shop. He was an active member of the First Christian Church, where he served as a deacon and church volunteer and was a member of the Telephone Pioneer. He volunteered with the Blackwell Regional Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Toben of Blackwell; a daughter, Kathleen Toben of Blackwell; a son, Mike Toben and wife Nancy of Owasso; five grandchildren, Mallary Castillo, Molly Cook and Morgan Toben all of Owasso, Jacob Toben of Stillwater, and Joe Creed of Andover, Kansas; two great grandchildren, Krayton Castillo and Ava Cook, both of Owasso; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Viola and Velma Barber.

Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 4th in the First Christian Church with Rev. Jeff Koch officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwich Cemetery in Wichita, Kansas, with military rites performed by the United States Army.

Casketbearers will be Gabe Castillo, Darlan Mahan, Joe Creed, Jacob Toben, Brad Kuehney and Jaames Toben. Serving as honorary casket-bearers will be Mike Taylor, Ken Taylor, Loren Kuehney, Les Toben, Scott Robinson and Troy Hockett.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the First Christian Church in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.

On-line condolences can be made at www.robertsandsonfh.com. paid obituary