Larry Myrle Harlin

Larry Myrle Harlin, age 76 of Hobbs, NM passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Covenant Medical Center, Lubbock, Texas.

He was born September 24, 1948, in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Myrle and Oleta Harlin. Larry’s life was marked by his deep love and commitment to his family and community.

On January 28, 2025, he celebrated a significant milestone by marrying Dilcia Discua in Hobbs, New Mexico. Their union was a testament to the enduring power of love and companionship, bringing joy and warmth to those around them. Throughout his life, Larry was known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to those he held dear. His legacy is one of compassion and strength, leaving behind cherished memories that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Larry graduated with honors from Tecumseh High School, Tecumseh, Oklahoma, where he excelled in both football and baseball. His athletic prowess led him to Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma before completing his degree at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) in Shawnee, Oklahoma. During his time at OBU, Larry was recognized as an “All American Baseball Catcher” in 1970, a testament to his exceptional skills on the field. Following his collegiate success, Larry pursued a semi-professional baseball career in Cushing, Oklahoma and Ames, Iowa. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury brought his promising baseball career to an early conclusion. Undeterred by his setback, Larry continued to share his passion for the sport through coaching and imparting his knowledge and love for the game to aspiring athletes.

Larry served his country as an active member of the U S Army for 18 months at Fort Devens Army Base in Boston, Mass. After his service, he returned to Oklahoma to start his own construction company. He later became a beer distributor for Coors Distributing. In 1986, he joined M & D Industries, franchise of Sonic Corporation, and moved to Hobbs, NM as District & Regional manager for Texas and New Mexico. He had ownership in several Sonic Drive-ins. Larry remained actively involved with the Dal Paso Sonic store located in Hobbs, NM until his passing.

Larry enjoyed working, being on stage, singing & acting at Hobbs Community Playhouse Theatre along with his son, Juston. Some of the shows included “Jekyll & Hyde” & “Beauty & the Beast”. He was a pillar of support for these shows, doing whatever necessary to help make them happen. Larry was an active “grandpa” with his grandson, Chandler with his various activities, especially enjoyed his new super star “golfer”. Larry was blessed to play in a golf tournament within this last year with his son, Kerry and Chandler. Larry’s hobbies included playing baseball, golf, fishing and gardening. A favorite pass time was cookouts and singing karaoke with family and friends. His vibrant personality and love for life were evident in all his pursuits.

Larry leaves behind his wife, Dilcia; sons: Kerry Myrle Harlin (wife Kristen) of Sapulpa, Oklahoma and Juston Myrle Harlin (partner Lexianna Girardi) of McKinney, Texas. Along with Dilcia’s sons/daughters: David Garcia, Fernando Garcia, Yajaira Discua (husband Sergio Diaz), Laura Cardoza (husband Emmanuel Cardoza), Jose Nevarez (spouse Elizabeth Valdez). Grandchildren: Chandler Harlin, Nancy Ortega Discua, Jasmin Garcia, Romeo Cardoza, Evalyn Cardoza, James Garcia and Royce Cardoza.

Sister: Merleta Harlin Motley (husband Doyle); sister-in-law: Stacey Harlin; brother-in-law: Mike McCuan (wife Shar) and Charles Laster (wife Patty).

Nieces & Nephews: Laura Motley Jarvis (husband Trey and children Riley and Jamie); Dylan Motley (wife Krista and children Kayler and Resser); Matthew Harlin (wife Angela and children Tyler Hornburg wife Katie and son Kayce; Summer Hornburg and Aiden Harlin); Brett Harlin; Sara Harlin (daughter Espen); Connor McCuan (wife Elizabeth and children Bellamy and Aoife); Quinn McCuan.

As well as many close family and friends, especially Dan Winters and Chris Winters and the Sonic family.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Myrle & Oleta Harlin, brother Garyle Harlin, wives Patricia Laster and Cathy Roberts and brother-in-law Steven Roberts

A “celebration of life” will be held at the home of Dilcia, along with a “celebration of life” in Tecumseh, Oklahoma at the time of laying him to rest at Tecumseh Cemetery. Dates are pending.

If you wish to honor Larry’s memory, please contribute to Hobbs Community Playhouse, performing arts theatre, at 1700 N Grimes St., Hobbs, New Mexico 88240.