The Herald Democrat
November 6, 2015

SHERMAN - Larry Michael Estes, born on August 31, 1944, to O.V. and Thelma Estes in Sherman, Texas, departed this life
at the age of 71 years on November 3, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

Larry married Sandra "Sonnie" Elaine Ryan on June 4, 1966 at the First Pentecostal Church in Sherman. Married for 49 years, they are lifetime members of Faith Church of Sherman, where Larry was the director of the music department and served on the Board of Trustees for over 40 years.

At the age of 16, Larry helped form the Galileans, a quartet which recorded the first gospel long play album in the organization of which they were members. Their four albums were played on radio stations across the United States
for many years.

Larry sang beautifully and had extraordinary musical ability. He had an incredible range reaching high tenor to low bass with perfect pitch. As Music Director, his keen ear and desire for excellence shaped the Faith Church groups into the regionally acclaimed 40-piece Orchestra and 60-voice choir they are today.

From their inception in 1983, Larry was devoted to his Christmas and Easter Cantatas and Gospel Fests, but the Patriotic programs were his favorite because of his love and respect for those who serve our country. In business, Larry was never hesitant to give pro bono assistance to those in the community who were in dire need.

Known to family and friends as the consummate "food connoisseur" he was always among the first to show up at restaurant openings and then quickly shared his findings with those around him. A great cook, Larry could detect spices
in dishes he enjoyed and then come home and replicate them perfectly.

A 1962 graduate of Sherman High School, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Music from East Texas State College in 1966. While a student at East Texas State University, he roomed with Duane Allen from the Oak Ridge Boys
who invited Larry to join the group. Prior to receiving his CPA Certification in 1977, he worked at Tom Hudgins CPA firm,
in Accounting at IBM, and as an Accounting manager at Johnson & Johnson. Larry opened his own accounting firm nearly
40 years ago at the SherDen Mall, later moving to his current location on Heritage Parkway. He held membership in the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the Texas Society of CPAs (TSCPA), and was an Investment Advisor with H.D. Vest.

A family visitation will be held from 6pm - 8pm on Friday, November 6that Faith Church of Sherman. Funeral services will be held at Faith Church on Saturday, November 7th at 2pm followed by an interment service at Friendship Cemetery. The Faith Church choir and orchestra will provide music for the service. Pallbearers are Ben Bond, Bo Bond, Seth Brown, Adam Cernero, Jarod Dutton, Caleb Dupuis, Judd Dupuis, Brad Morgan, and Blake Sikes. Honorary pallbearers are Bert Bond, Robert Bond, Tom Bragg, Mark Brown, Danny Dutton, Jerry Eichler, Jerry Kasich, Ron Kumler, Bob Loftin, Kent Newtown, Joe Oswalt, Tommy Rains, and Billy Walters.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Sonnie, son Michael Todd Estes and wife Jennifer, son Gregory Scott Estes and wife Christina, and son Jacob Charles Estes and wife Montserrat, all of Sherman, Texas.

Also surviving are his ten grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as "Papa:" Emily Estes, Nicholas Estes, Olivia Estes, Parker Estes, Ashlyn Richards, Jordan Richards, Thalia Estes, Alex Estes, Colby Estes, and Addison Estes.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother Thelma, father O.V. Estes, and brother David Elbert Estes. Memorials may be made to the Faith Church of Sherman Family Life Center Building Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman.