Dr. Larry Canter

Subhead

b. 1939 - July 9, 2020

Image
  • Alt Text for Image
    Alt Text for Image
Body

Dr. Larry Canter (fondly known as Potch or Potchy Boy by his grandkids) passed away and went to be with the Lord on July 9, 2020, at the age of 81.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, to Carsie and Cebre Canter, Larry was the oldest of four children. He graduated from East Nashville High School in 1957. Larry received his bachelor degree in civil engineering from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D in environmental engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He completed his military service as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service.

He began his teaching career at Tulane University (1967-69), and then moved to the University of Oklahoma (1969-2000) where he served as Chairman of the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, George Cross Research Professor, Sun Company Chair of Groundwater Hydrology, and Director of the Environmental and Ground Water Institute. He also was chairman of the Faculty Senate and represented OU with the Oklahoma Board of Regents. He taught short courses in environmental impact assessment all over the world for over 40 years and wrote the first EIA textbook used by colleges and government agencies plus twelve books on environmental topics. Larry earned many awards including being given the Rose Hulman Award by the International Association of Impact Assessment for his contributions world-wide on methods for addressing environmental impacts.

Larry’s family was especially important to him along with his Christian faith. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and by his three sons and their families: Doug and wife Carrie, Steve and wife Coley, Greg and wife Jamie. His grandchildren include Haley, Jackson, Maddie, Allie, Audrey, Cole, Jake and Avery. He is also survived by two siblings and their families: Claude and wife Kathie and Ken and wife Ronda. He is survived by many other extended family members and lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by his sister Shirley and parents.

Larry and Donna attended the First Baptist Church in Norman, Oklahoma, for 30 years where he taught a couple’s class in Sunday School for 25 years and served several terms as a Deacon and as Chairman of the Budget and Personnel Committees. After Donna and Larry retired to Horseshoe Bay, he co-taught the Adult Bible Alive Study at the Church at Horseshoe Bay for almost 20 years, served on the Church Board of Trustees, and sang in the Church choir.

Larry will be remembered for his humility, honesty, generosity, and loving nature. When playing family games, he would start laughing so hard that everyone else would start laughing too. His hambone impression was legendary, and the grandkids all knew that popcorn and ice cream were Potch’s after dinner treats. He and Donna were blessed to have spent 58 wonderful years together in which they got to travel to many countries. His sons feel blessed to have had such a strong role model and loving father. He will be greatly missed. The current plans are for

The current plans are for a private family memorial service to be held on Saturday, Aug. 1. The service will be live streamed on the Church at Horseshoe Bay’s Vimeo account so that those who want can participate by viewing the service. More definite plans will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Benevolence Fund or Memorial Garden at the Church at Horseshoe Bay. Condolences and memories can be shared at forevermissed. com/larry-canter.