Larkin Andrew Yandell

Larkin A. Yandell left his earthly body on the morning of January 7, 2021 and entered into the long-awaited presence of his redeemer and friend, Jesus Christ. Born on December 13, 1927, in Latimer County of southeastern Oklahoma, he was the twelfth and final child of his parents, Joseph Elza ("Elzie") and Effie Yandell. While serving in the Navy in the late 1940s, Larkin, known by many as L.A., was faced with a decision that would determine the course of the rest of his life. He could choose to fit in with the other sailors or devote himself to following the teachings of Jesus. Larkin chose to devote his life to the King of Heaven and Earth. After his service in the Navy ended, Larkin was ordained as a minister of the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. He would go on to pastor three churches in Oklahoma and three more churches in California, serving and impacting the lives of countless others for nearly 70 years. He never led a mega-church of thousands. He never wrote a bestseller and never hosted a highly rated television show. Like most small church pastors, he wore a lot of different hats: janitor, groundskeeper, secretary, construction worker/supervisor, bus driver, and many more. In all of it, he faithfully sought to know and do what is in the best interests of others, often at his own expense. Larkin married the love of his life, Wilmatine, and over 49 years of marriage they nurtured and promoted an environment where being a part of their family was not reserved for the seven children who belonged by birth or marriage, or the 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Belonging to the family was extended to many who adopted Larkin and Wilmatine as their spiritual parents or grandparents. Larkin's love and generosity seemed boundless. Before macular degeneration took much of his vision, Larkin loved to fish, garden, play dominoes, and swap stories. In a room of people, he was usually the one with the biggest smile. He lived the life of a humble man who aspired to walk with the limitless, all-powerful God one day at a time. Valiant-for-Truth's message to his friends in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress would have been Larkin's message to all: "I am going to my Father's. Even though I arrived here with great difficulty, I don't regret any of the trouble I had to live through to get here. I give my sword to the one who follows me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to the one who can get it. My marks and scars I carry with me as a witness that I have fought His battles and now He will be my rewarder. Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory?" A service to honor the life of Larkin will be announced and held later in 2021.

Larkin Andrew Yandell

December 13, 1927 - January 7, 2021