Delbert Laurence “Larry” McKenzie

Delbert Laurence “Larry” McKenzie, 78, of Somerset, Ohio, formerly of Paintsville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 7, 2025, with his loving wife and daughter by his side. Born April 8, 1947, in Paintsville to Delbert Isaac and Betty (Ward) McKenzie, Larry grew up in a home shaped by faith, family, and perseverance.

On September 5, 1970 he married Reata Sue (Jones) McKenzie, the love of his life. Their 55-year marriage was marked by devotion and steadfast care, especially through Larry’s many health challenges. His sister, Betty Alice gave him the gift of extended life with a kidney transplant 25 years ago, a blessing he never took for granted. Larry dedicated his life to preaching the gospel. He served congregations at the South Williamson Church of Christ in Kentucky, the North Beckley Church of Christ in West Virginia, and the Somerset Church of Christ in Ohio, where he ministered from 1986 until his retirement in 2002. Sharing the Good News of Christ was his greatest joy and he touched countless lives through his sermons, visits, encouragement and sincere love for others.

Larry’s family was his deepest earthly joy. He adored his grandchildren—Hannah, Chloe, Kenan, and Jesse Brown—and cherished every moment spent with them. He also loved cheering for the Sheridan Generals and was one of their biggest fans, faithfully attending football, basketball, and baseball games until his health no longer allowed. For many years, he ran the clock at Sheridan High School basketball games. Larry had a warm sense of humor and was always joking with those around him, bringing laughter and light to many moments. Fishing was one of Larry’s favorite pastimes, and the family spent many years vacationing in Thessalon, Ontario, Canada, trips he looked forward to and remembered with great fondness.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Sue McKenzie; his children, Jeremiah (Danielle) McKenzie of Pleasantville, Ohio, and Wendy (Perry) Brown of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; his grandchildren, Hannah, Chloe, Kenan, and Jesse Brown; and his sister, Betty Alice (Alan) Maxwell of Antioch, Tennessee. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the North Market St. Church of Christ, 314 North Market St., Somerset, Ohio. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Evangelist Phil Grear officiating. An additional graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, followed by burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 23rd St. & Park Ave., Parkersburg, West Virginia. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Market St. Church of Christ Disaster Relief Fund and Missions, 314 N Market St, Somerset, OH 43783, or to the Kidney Transplantation Fund at The Ohio State University: https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/317848. Larry will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his deep love for Sue and his family, his sense of humor, and the countless lives he touched through his ministry. He lived a life of purpose, gratitude, and devotion, and he will be deeply missed. Bope-Thomas Funeral Home in Somerset is entrusted with the arrangements. www.bopethomasfuneralhome.comTo send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Delbert Laurence “Larry” McKenzie, please visit our floral store.