Larry Max Crist

Memorial services for Larry Max Crist of Lufkin will be held Friday, April 12, 2024,  at 4:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Matt Harmon officiating.

Larry Crist was born on January 7, 1944, in McPherson, Kansas to Raymond and Virginia Crist. He passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the age of 80, with his family by his side in Lufkin, Texas. He was a man of many titles: beloved husband, cherished father, adored grandfather, loving great-grandfather, and a caring, loyal friend to many.

Larry graduated from high school in 1962 in Palco, Kansas. He played football, basketball, and still holds a record for the track 4x4 relay race, before they switched to metric. He met the love of his life, Judy Fischer, his senior year. They were married on February 2, 1963 and were blessed to enjoy 61 years of marriage together.

Larry worked a 25-year career with Mobil Pipeline. They moved often between Kansas, Illinois, and Texas, and spent two of those years overseas in Saudi Arabia. He retired in 1995 and acquired many hobbies.

After retiring, he could be found riding his bike around town. They spent almost every morning in Salem, IL at Hardee’s with a group of great friends before they would head to the golf course. Larry and Judy traveled all over the country in their RV with a group of friends and their rigs. They spent most winters down in the Valley in Texas. They would square dance, play cards and attend college basketball games nearby. Larry enjoyed woodworking and wood burning, but after a few close calls with the tips of his fingers, he was banned from all sharp objects.

Larry was passionate about volunteering at the hospital, known as the “Popcorn Man.” He popped popcorn for the scholarship fund for medical students and was adored by so many people that he worked with. Larry loved playing games like Solitaire on his iPad, word searches, Social Security and Rummikub, especially when he beat his family. He loved to do puzzles, even though he would swear that pieces were missing if it was a tricky one.

Larry was an avid fisherman who enjoyed every opportunity he could to cast a line, and occasionally catch a fish in between his naps. He always had a great time out on the water, and he usually snuck in an extra Diet Coke while he was out there.

Larry will be deeply missed, and his memory will be cherished by his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Crist of Lufkin, Texas; his sister, Velna Sue Nichols and husband, Bill; his son, Kevin Crist and wife, Joey; his daughter, JoLona Ybarra and husband, Rolando; his grandchildren: Spencer Crist and wife, Brianne; Rolando Ybarra, Jr. and wife, Karen; Nia Carroll and husband, Dereck; Kalisha Hamilton and husband, Cameron; his seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews that he loved deeply.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Virginia Crist; and his older brothers, Raymond Leslie Crist and Marvin Crist.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Larry’s honor to the Daisy Wadsworth Scholarship at 1201 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

“What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.