Larry Steven Kokta (lovingly known as Papaw), age 60, was welcomed home by the Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015.  Larry passed from Earth into Heaven surrounded by the family that loved him dearly.

He was the husband and best friend of Pamela Kay (Shockey) Kokta.  They were married on January 17, 1982 and shared 33 years as husband and wife. Larry and Pam had the type of love that comes only from the rare combination of having lived a life together that held much adversity, and yet held an even greater faith.  

Larry’s greatest accomplishment wasn’t a college degree or wealth or success as the world would define it.  His legacy was selfless sacrifice to his wife Pam, his son Chris, his daughter-in-law Holly and his two precious grandsons Jake and Hayden.  His last hours were a testimony to his Creator as he held fast to his faith in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, despite his ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer.  His concern was for the well-being of those who he left behind.  

Each day Larry referred to his own life as a miracle and was thankful for what the Lord had given him.  He was a man who never gave up and made all those around him blessed for having known him.  Larry loved nature, animals, fishing, gardening, and doing projects with his son.  But most of all he loved spending time with his wife and grandsons.  

Born in Kansas City, MO, on December 13th, 1954, Larry was the son of Tony and Maxine Kokta.  He was preceded in death by sister Linda Gray, brother Eddie Addington, and brother Ronnie Poindexter.  He is survived by his wife Pam, son Chris Blair (wife Holly), grandsons Jake Blair and Hayden Steven Blair, brothers-in-law David, Nick, Tony, and Danny Shockey, brother-in-law Mike Gray, sisters-in-law Claudell Schofield, Candy Hardrick and Tracy Sullivan; nephews Shawn, Lauren, Marty, David Michael, Joe, Koi, and Caleb; nieces Kassandra, Alisa, and Rachel as well as many great nieces and nephews.  

A special thanks to his friends at Orion Safety Products in Peru for providing medical insurance, encouragement, and personal gifts.  

The family would also like to thank the caring, committed staff of Dr. Alexander Starodub at the IU Goshen Cancer Center.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2015, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, with Pastors Larry and Carol Zumwalt officiating.  Full interment will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Friends Cemetery, Wabash.

Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. on Monday, prior to the service.  

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.  The online guestbook can be signed at www.mcclainfh.com.

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