Larry Dudley Obituary, Larry Dudley Has Died

Larry Dudley Obituary, Death Cause – Larry Neal Dudley, 80, died peacefully in Abilene, Texas, on November 7, 2023. He was born in Merkel, Texas, on November 5, 1943. Larry, popularly known as Peepaw, was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa who treasured spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He could constantly be seen documenting every moment at their various athletic activities after becoming a Peepaw.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Paula Dudley of Merkel; his daughter, Michele Proctor and her husband, Bryan of Merkel; his grandson, Blake Proctor and his wife, Claire, of Abilene; his granddaughter, Bailey Proctor of Merkel; his sister, Janie Sharpe of Abilene; his brother-in-law, Allan Arnwine and his wife, Genia, of Roby; his brother-in-law, Greg Arnwine of He was predeceased by his parents, Quannah and Boots Dudley, as well as his sister, Sharon Conlin, and brother, Joe Dudley. Larry graduated from Merkel High School in 1962 and went on to McMurry University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in August 1970.

From 1964 to 1970, he proudly served in the Naval Reserve for six years, two of which were spent on active service during the Vietnam War. Larry worked as a radioman aboard the military destroyer USS Mullany. He started his employment with the State of Texas in 1970 and served in Vernon, Amarillo, and Abilene for 31 years until retiring in 2001. He was a supervisor with Child Protective Services when he retired. Larry’s life will be remembered in Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Starbucks Funeral Home of Merkel will perform the service.

Donations in memory of Larry Dudley may be given to Hendrick Hospice Care at Donate to Hendrick Health or the Wounded Warrior Programme at Donate to the USO United Service Organisations. He will be remembered for his unconditional love for his family, steadfast devotion to his nation, and extraordinary selfless public service career. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

ncG1vNJzZmidpJq%2Fr63Loaanp6Keu6h6wqikaKSRp7%2B6ecOum6WdqWK8o7XTrpirsV2hrrO%2B2GabrpycmsZutMCsZJ2hlZl8