One of the founding fathers of Norman, Oklahoma was Delbert “D.L.” Larsh of Purcell, Oklahoma. He moved to Norman, Oklahoma on April 22, 1889, and joined Norman I.O.O.F. Lodge on November 21, 1889 (Age 26). In addition to his invaluable assistance in creating the University of Oklahoma by deeding property toward its establishment, he also served as a Regent (and the Board of Regents Secretary) of the University and was instrumental in organizing Norman as a town.

As you might expect, a leader of this caliber also performed invaluable services to the Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Oklahoma throughout his lifetime.

He served as:

• Grand Herald of Okahoma (1893-1893)
• Grand Warden of Oklahoma (1893-1894)
• Deputy Grand Master of Oklahoma (1894-1895)
• Grand Master of Oklahoma (1895-1896)
• Grand Trustee (1896-1897)
• Grand Representative (1907-1908)

In addition, he is listed on our new charter, dated April 13, 1911, showing his continued commitment toward our organization.

Norman Lodge I.O.O.F. records show that he was awarded his Veteran -25 years of continued membership- jewel, (for which he would have been eligible in 1914). He is buried in our cemetery in Block 3, Lot 2, Grave 5. His obituary simply lists him as “NORMAN MAN DIES… who organized the company that built the first bridge across the treacherous South Canadian River….”

We are proud to have such a prominent figure of our community as one of the founding members of Norman Lodge, IOOF.