Lawrence J. "Larry" Heiliger

Larry was born in Hinton, OK just 82 years ago today - January 26, 1937 - to Helen and Casey Heiliger. Ever the procrastinator, Larry entered Heaven on December 25, 2018 just in time to celebrate the last 15 minutes of Jesus' birthday. We have no doubt that he was joyfully welcomed by his parents, three siblings and other loved ones.

Larry was raised on the family dairy farm before moving to Oklahoma City to live with his grandmother and graduated Mt. St. Mary's High School in 1955. After a brief stint as an accountant and with one child and one on the way, Larry saved the equivalent of one year's salary and began his 50+ years career as a commercial Realtor, ultimately starting his own real estate firm, Heiliger, Inc., Realtors. Larry was a leader in the real estate industry, serving as President of the Oklahoma Board of Realtors, President of the Oklahoma Association of Realtors, and Regional Vice President of the National Association of Realtors. He was named Realtor of the Year for both Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma. Some of Larry's clients included McDonald's - he secured every McDonald's site in Oklahoma (except two) from the 1970s - 1990s and several in Arkansas and Texas - Hibdon Tires, and many banks and financial institutions throughout the state.

Larry married Gordona on December 4, 1982 and moved to Tulsa permanently in 1988. In addition to his own business, Larry played a significant role with her company - Gordona Duca, Realtors - expanding it throughout northeastern Oklahoma. Larry and Gordona traveled the world in their 36 years together and he kept all of us laughing every single day with his gift of humor. He loved to go to estate sales, loved shopping - especially for jewelry and cars - never met a stranger, and was friends with every waiter and waitress he ever encountered. He was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City and the Rotary Club of Tulsa and was a Paul Harris Fellow and a Community Club Fellow. Larry had a love of cars and he passed that on to his sons and his grandson. He collected Corvettes and people often stated that, if they could, they would choose to come back as one of Larry's cars.

Dear friend, Nancy Parker, wrote the following poem to remember Larry:

He was tall, dark and handsome,
(And had great charisma, too.)
This elegant German gentleman
Was a charmer through and through.

The love of his life was Gordona...
For thirty-six years she was his bride;
They had many friends and admirers -
She was always by his side.

His two sons and grandchildren
Brought him great pride and joy;
Then two great-grandchildren came along -
A sweet Heiliger girl and boy.

Larry was a diamond connoisseur -
His pocket always contained a loupe;
He loved to browse the pawn shops
And search for hidden loot.

Two little Shelties (his #1 fans)
Are called Misti and Chanel
Both adored their beloved Master
And slept in his bed, as well.

Larry was a top-notch commercial Realtor
(once honored as 'Best in the State.')
He knew all the important formulas
To make his business great!

A meticulous dresser our Larry was -
He was noticed when he entered a room;
With a great big smile, and his infectious laugh
He dispelled any trace of gloom.

Today we celebrate Larry's life...
Christmas Day the angels whisked him away;
Heaven must be a sweeter and more joyful place
With Larry Heiliger there.

Larry is tremendously missed by his wife of 36 years, Gordona; his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Rona, Edmond; his son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Cathy, Tulsa; his grandchildren, Zachary and wife, Michelle, their son, Caden, Nederland, CO; Ashlee Craddock and husband, Avery, their daughter Peyton, Tulsa; Natalie, Stillwater; and Emily, Tulsa; numerous nieces and nephews; his stepdaughter, Dawn Duca, Tulsa; and his beloved Shelties, Misti and Chanel.

For those wishing to honor Larry, please consider a gift to Clarehouse www.clarehouse.org or a charity of your choice. Private services were held with Rev. Dr. R. Wade Paschal officiating. To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please go to www.moorefuneral.com