Dec.31, 1944 - July 2008

Lawrence (Larry) Keyes was born in Los Angeles, CA on December 31, 1944.  He was the 2nd son of 3 children born to Sterling & Dorothy Keyes.  He lived most of his pre-adult years in Los Angeles, moving with his parents to Palm Springs in 1961 where he graduated from Palm Springs High School in 1962.  He attended Biola University in La Mirada, CA and graduated in 1968.  He received his Masters of Divinity degree from Talbot School of Theology in 1971 and his Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1982 [Sherie Price was privileged to type his dissertation]. 

Larry married Shirley Cotton, whom he met while attending Biola University, in June 1968.  They were blessed with 2 children, a son, David (Rachel) and daughter, Krista.  He had 2 grandchildren, Abigail & Daniel.  Shirley now lives in the southern California area.

He served as a missionary with OC International [founded by Don & Dick Hillis] in Sao Paulo, Brazil from 1972-83 and came home from the field to become President of OC Int’l from 1983-2001 now headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO.  Following his term at OC he worked with Dr. Alan Meehan in his teaching ministry, The Word is Out.  He was preaching in Uganda on a Sunday morning with Dr. Meehan’s ministry in July 2008 when he died.  He had a heart attack and immediately collapsed and died there on the platform.  He was to return home within days after being in Africa for more than two weeks.  It seemed that it was God's timing for him but was such a shock to everyone.

1) Years in Brazil - 1972 - 1983
2) OC President - 1983 - 2001
3) Doctor of Missiology - DMiss granted 1982
4) Son - David married to Rachel. grandchildren Abigail and Daniel
Daughter, Krista
5) After leaving OC worked with Dr. Alan Meenan in his teaching ministry The Word is Out. He was in Uganda with this work when he died in 2008.
6) High school graduation 1962, Palm Springs High School, Biola University graduation 1968, Talbot School of Theology graduation 1971 - MDIV - Masters of Divinity. Fuller Theological Seminary graduation 1982