Lawrence Roy Larsen (Larry) entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from Springfield, MO at the age of 87.

Larry was born in Oakland, California on March 1, 1938 and lived in California until 2007 when he moved to Springfield to be closer to his son and family. Larry loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart and had a deep and abiding faith. His favorite scripture verse was Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." He lived out those words especially during his struggle with Parkinson's Disease.

He was a member of Seminole Baptist Church and enjoyed his association with college and young adult ministries for several years. He was also a member of the Cornerstone Sunday School class and loved studying the scriptures with them. In college, Larry majored in Spanish and minored in French. He received his BA degree from San Jose State University in California and his MA degree in Spanish from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. He was a middle school and high school classroom teacher for 56 years in both public and Christian schools teaching English, French, Latin, Spanish and math. He also taught adult foreign language night classes at Christian Heritage College in El Cajon, California.

Larry liked to try various musical instruments. While in high school and college he played the saxophone and percussion instruments in the marching band. At home he played the piano and organ and gave beginner piano lessons for a time to children in the neighborhood. Mr. Larsen truly loved teaching. He said many times that it was his personal joy to see "the lights go on" when a student learned a new concept. He especially loved to work with middle school students and found their sense of humor invigorating and fun. Through the years, they brought much laughter to his life. Along with teaching he enjoyed mentoring new teachers and encouraging them in their work. His son and daughter remember that his teaching style was clear, understandable, and he challenged his students to rise to their highest potential.

While affectionately known as the "Renaissance Man" he also worked in high school college and career counseling for several years. To his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren he was known as the fudge maker. He loved to make fudge every Christmas to share with family and friends. Everyone close to him knew that chocolate, coffee, and peanut butter were his trademarks. Outside of teaching Larry was a project person. He enjoyed home remodeling for which he had many opportunities to swing a hammer and knock down walls and rebuild. He also enjoyed indoor and outdoor painting and gardening. He was always planning something new. He also loved spending time on family vacations at the Santa Cruz California boardwalk and other amusement parks. The roller coaster was his favorite ride and he liked to challenge anyone to ride one longer than he could. His humor, wisdom, and love for family, God and the church will be remembered as a life well lived.

Larry was preceded in death by an infant son, Donald, his brother, Karl and his parents, Roy and Marion Larsen as well as his beloved mother in-law, Sara Gross, who made him Snickerdoodle cookies often and always called him Lawrence.

Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 64 years, Mary. Also surviving is his son, Steve (Jayneen) of Fort Mill, SC, daughter, Julie of Cave City, AR, sister, Ruth Freeman (Lyle) of Pacheco, California, dearest grandsons, Jonathan, David, Dylan, and Elijah along with treasured great granddaughters, Cierryh Brenwynn and River Grace and great-grandson, Wilder Reign.

The family would like to thank the administration, staff and residents at Birch Pointe Long Term Care and Rehab Facility for the loving care they showered on "Mr. Larry" during his stay there the last few months of his life. He loved them all.

A memorial service will be held at Seminole Baptist Church 4221 South National Springfield, Missouri on Sunday, November 16. Visitation will start at 3:30 pm followed by the memorial service at 4:00 pm.