Ted A. Larkin, Sr.

Ted Larkin, Sr. (January 27, 1942 - December 16, 2022) will be remembered as a man of many talents, all of which he consistently applied throughout his life to make life better for those fortunate to have known and loved him. At every stage of his life Ted demonstrated a level of commitment, determination, and devotion to everything he undertook and the proof of that lives on in his family, his record of service to the community and his portfolio of architectural achievements. "Teddy", as he was known in his youth, was born to Fred Allen Larkin and Betty (Russell) Larkin on January 27, 1942 in Great Bend, Kansas. The Larkin family moved to Tulsa at the end of WWII where Ted attended public schools, graduating from Thomas Edison High School, class of '60. He excelled in academics, sports, and he played trombone in the Edison marching band and jazz band. After graduation, he attended the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship. After one cold year, he transferred to the University of Kansas School of Architecture where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and Scarab Architecture Honor Society. It was the beginning of a lifelong career as a designer and builder of commercial and residential structures throughout Northeastern Oklahoma. While home for Christmas break from KU, a friend set Ted up on a double date with a former classmate, Pam Neal, who was attending Oklahoma State University. Even though the evening turned out to be a somewhat inauspicious beginning to the relationship, there was obviously enough spark to lead Pam and Ted to marry in 1962. After graduating from KU in 1965, the couple returned to Tulsa. Ted began his career with the architectural firm of Murray Jones Murray where he found generous mentors who helped him push and polish his design skills. In 1972 he founded The Larkin Company and under this banner he practiced his craft until July of 2022. Ted never shied away from tackling a demanding project. The last 20 years of his career he concentrated on residential design and enjoyed many repeat clients that became special friends. Although he designed and built beautiful homes for prominent clientele, he felt his highest achievement was designing and overseeing the building of a very challenging LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certified home for Ed Darby in 2011. It stands today as the largest LEED Certified custom residence in the state of Oklahoma. He loved the challenge, the team and the client. He considered it his tour deforce. Ted served as a choir director at a Church in Tulsa and later at First Christian Church in Jenks. While at First Christian, he along with fellow church members, founded Brush Creek Ranch in Jay, OK, a residential ranch for troubled boys. While raising their four children, Ted and Pam enjoyed weekends at Grand Lake and family ski trips. Whatever sport his children and grandchildren engaged in, Ted was always there cheering them on. Ted and Pam loved and cared for many dogs, horses, donkeys, and other animals. They also loved to host family events and never said no to a gathering at their home. Ted also enjoyed the "Bald Eagles" monthly luncheon with Edison classmates to hash over the good old days of growing up in Tulsa. Ted is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pam; his four children, Ted Larkin, Jr. (Shari MacKaye), Kelli Sondag (Ray), Derek Larkin (Christy), and Jason Larkin (Trisha). Ted and Pam were blessed with five grandchildren: Michael Campa, Zach and Adam Larkin, and Warren and Avery Larkin. He is also survived by his sister, Martha Sharp and brother, Pat Larkin. One more thing Ted will be remembered for was an infectious smile that let you know at first glance you were in the presence of a friendly, trustworthy soul. His legacy will be he always delivered on the promise of that smile. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: St Judes Children's Research Hospital Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless Or make a donation to a charity of your choosing. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 27, 2023 at 2:00 P.M., Core Church, 5205 S. Aspen Avenue, Broken Arrow, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233