Larry Derryberry

Larry R. Derryberry (April 22, 1939 – November 19, 2016) was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 11th Attorney General of Oklahoma from 1971 to 1979. He previously served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1963 to 1971.

Derryberry was born in Altus, Oklahoma, on April 22, 1939, to Willis Landrum Derryberry and Willene Faye Woodall Derryberry. He graduated from high school as salutatorian of his class.

Derryberry subsequently attended the University of Oklahoma, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in history in 1961 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1963.

Derryberry was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives during his second year of law school. He served from 1963 to 1971 as a Democrat, representing the Jackson district from 1963 to 1965 and the 52nd legislative district of Oklahoma from 1965 to 1971.

During his time in office, Derryberry chaired the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting. He also served as both Assistant Majority Floor Leader and speaker pro tempore.

In 1970, Larry was elected the 11th Attorney General of Oklahoma, serving from 1971 to 1979. Following his tenure, Larry continued practicing law in Oklahoma City.

Derryberry married Gale Brazil in 1963. They had two children, a son and daughter.

Derryberry died at the age of 77 in Oklahoma City on November 19, 2016.

A book about Derryberry, Courage Counts: The Life of Larry Derryberry, was written by historian Bob Burke and published by the Oklahoma Historical Society.