Lawrence "Larry" Francis Wilhelm passed away peacefully in his home in Wichita Falls, Texas on January 29, 2026, at the age of 88.   Larry was a devoted man of God who faithfully served the Lord throughout his life, radiating faith and love to those around him.  His greatest joy came from his family, whom he cherished deeply and inspired with his unwavering devotion.

Born in Hereford, Texas, Larry was one of seven children born to Susan and Charles Wilhelm. It was on the family farm in the Panhandle where he first forged his strong work ethic—a trait that would define his two years of service in the U.S. Army and his nearly 45-year tenure as the founder of Red River Electronics.

Shortly after his military service, Larry met the love of his life, Lucille Bernadette Nussbaum. They married in 1960 and moved to Wichita Falls in 1970, where they raised five children and built a foundation of faith that remains the family's North Star. To his children and grandchildren, Larry—affectionately known as Dad, Papa, or "Big Papa"—was more than a patriarch; he was a role model of quiet humility and servant leadership. Even when facing significant health challenges or the heartbreak of losing loved ones, his unshakeable devotion to Jesus never wavered. He was a man of profound faith and daily prayer, leaving behind a legacy of love that reached everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Larry was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he volunteered in various capacities throughout his life, most recently delivering Holy Communion (and donuts) on a weekly basis to the homebound.  While Larry devoted much of his time to keeping up with his large family, he was also a familiar face at local estate sales and a legendary eBay strategist, often snagging a deal as the seconds ticked down.  He often purchased "projects" which he would lovingly restore and then re-list for others to enjoy.  He was not one to sit idly around.

Larry is preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; son, Alan; son-in-law, Leslie Finnell; his parents; and brother, Richard Wilhelm.  He is survived by 4 daughters: Christie Marsh (Randy), Noel Filer (Chip), Annette Redman (Doug), Lorel Volpi (Angelo), daughter-in-law, Kristi Wilhelm, as well as 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren (and counting!). He is also survived by his sisters Helen Ruffini, Doris Bookout, and Betty Wurst, and brothers Tom Wilhelm and Vernon Wilhelm.

A rosary will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, February 4, at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home, 2412 Midwestern Parkway, Wichita Falls, TX 76308, with visitation following. Funeral service will be at 10am on Thursday, February 5, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1501 9th St, Wichita Falls, TX, 76301.

Those wishing to honor Larry's memory with a memorial gift are invited to make a donation to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.