Lawrence Speyer, 85, died Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Larry was the beloved husband of 58 years of Bessie Speyer, originally of New Orleans, Louisiana. Born on June 24, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of the late Aaron and Jennie Speyer.

After high school he proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps where he obtained the rank of Corporal. He graduated from Western Reserve University. He and his wife moved to Tulsa in 1956. He worked for many years as Chartered Life Underwriter in the greater Tulsa area. Larry was active in the Tulsa Jewish community and was a member of Temple Israel. As an accomplished trumpet player he was a member of the Tulsa Klezmer Band, the Sounds of Music, the Tulsa Community Band, the Windjammers, the Silverton Brass Band, and the Williamsburg Consort. He was able to span the range of big band, jazz and Klezmer, and performed both locally and nationally.

Larry was known and loved by all who knew him for his honesty, strength of character, sharp wit and for his pragmatic approach to all challenges life presented. To his family and friends his love and devotion was unwavering.

He is survived by his wife Bessie, his son Bruce and wife Roberta Speyer of Austin, Texas, his daughter, Susan Speyer, also of Austin, and his daughter, Lisa and her husband Loren Phillips of Bel Air, Maryland. His grandchildren are James and Abby Speyer, Dorothy Speyer, Amy Speyer Hernandez and husband Adolph, Aaron Speyer, Golda Speyer, Adam and Sara Phillips, Daniel Phillips and two great-grandchildren, Olivia Hernandez and Preston Speyer.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Temple Israel. Interment at Rose Hill Memorial Park.

Donations in Larry's honor may be made to: Temple Israel, 2004 E. 22nd Pl., Tulsa, OK 74114, or the Jewish Children's Regional Service, Post Office Box 7368
Metairie, LA 70010-7368, or at www.jcrs.org .

FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL 918-585-1151