Larry Don Kalka, Sr. was born on October 8, 1943, in Chandler, to Irvin and Rubye Kalka. He passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, in Texas at the age of 82.
He loved growing up on the farm and spoke of his childhood with great fondness. His parents and older siblings taught him the values of faith, family, hard work, and helping others. On July 26, 1963, Larry married Carolyn June McFarland in Davenport, Oklahoma. Together, they raised three children: Larry Don Kalka Jr. of Plano, Texas; and Keri Lynn Kalka of Edmond, Oklahoma. Larry was a proud and loving grandfather to Sienna, Mia, and Emma Kalka of Plano, Texas.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Central Oklahoma, Larry built a successful 30-year career in business, holding management positions at Borden’s Dairy, Kerr-McGee Oil, Texas Instruments, and GEFCO in Enid, Oklahoma. During the years in Enid, Larry was a member of the American Business Club (aka AMBUCS). He served terms as Enid Chapter President and National President. Larry and his longtime AMBUCS friends had loads of fun performing various community service projects and attending many social events. Larry was also a member of the Grand National Quail Club. Larry had raised and trained several English Setters. His topquality bird dogs and skills as a hunter made him an excellent guide to the many VIP hunters who came from all over the country to Enid to join the Grand National Quail Hunt event each year. Upon retirement, he returned to his beloved family farm, where he spent the next 25 years raising cattle and reconnecting with so many friends and family around Chandler and Davenport.
During this time, Larry marriedElaineRobinsonand enjoyedseveralyearsoffamily life. Larry admired and appreciated Elaine and her children and their spouses. Larry delighted in all the grandchildren and all the food, fun, and laughter in those good years together.
Larry was definitely an Okie through and through. His state pride ran deep, and he celebrated it on many Saturdays in Norman, rooting on the University of Oklahoma Sooners.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Rubye Kalka, and his siblings, Billye Louise Phipps, BobbyAlbert Kalka, Sr., and Anita Bell Stroud.
He is survived by his brother, Lee Roy Kalka. Larry’s fun-loving, big personality and his ornery sense of humor will be missed. He will be remembered as a proud father and grandfather. A funeral was held at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Davenport with interment following at New Zion Cemetery of Chandler. Donations can be made to New Zion Cemetery at P.O. Box 400, Davenport, OK, 74026.