Larry was born on October 11, 1947, in Bethany, MO to Lila Lea (DeWitt) Holcomb and Argel Lee Holcomb. Larry graduated from Coffey High School in Coffey, MO in 1965. He was drafted into the United States Army and started his service in November of 1967. He was called to bravely serve in the Vietnam War in 1968 and was honorably discharged in November of 1969 earning several medals and awards. He would later go on to enlist in the United States Army National Guard in 1977 and was honorably discharged in August of 1979.
Prior to deployment, Larry met Theresa Darlene Burge on July 24, 1966. Their first date was at a tractor pull in Hamilton, MO. Throughout their marriage, they would enjoy numerous tractor pulls together. They were wed on January 11, 1970, and were happily married for 54 years.
After years of trying unsuccessfully to have children, Larry and Theresa sought to adopt a child of their own. After waiting 14 years, their only son, Drew Allan Holcomb was born on October 2, 1985. On August 13, 1986 he became officially theirs and they have been a happy family ever since.
Larry worked several jobs throughout his life. He had stints working as a school bus driver, fast food worker, and worked at multiple warehouses. He worked 10 plus years for Toys R Us Distribution Center in Lee’s Summit, MO and greatly enjoyed the work and the people he worked with. For the first several years of Drew’s life, Larry’s favorite job was being a stay at home dad.
Throughout his life, Larry loved to travel. The day before his passing, he was making plans to visit one of his favorite places, Branson, MO with Theresa to see the lights at Christmas. Whether it was camping at Wallace State Park or their other favorite campsites, or taking Drew to visit different Major League Baseball ballparks, Larry loved traveling and spending time with his family. He had quite a fondness for the food and music at Hard Rock Cafe. He always made it a point to seek one out in his travels and he built quite the collection of pins and glasses. He must have made it to at least 20 different locations and was hoping to get back on his feet to visit many more. He shared in the days before his passing he wanted to get up and walk again so he could take his grandchildren to Disney World. He never liked staying in one spot for too long which is why he would always load up in his power chair and hit the road!
When he was at home, you could often find Larry at McDonald’s enjoying daily coffee with his group of friends. He wasn’t loyal to just McDonald’s though as he would make the rounds to Starbucks, Culvers, Taco Bell and anywhere there was someone nice to chat with.
Larry was active in church his whole life. Larry and Theresa were very active in their Sunday School class at South Haven Baptist Church right up until his fall. He loved the people of the church so much and they loved interacting with him each week.
In his final years, the biggest joy of his life was spending time with his precious grandchildren. Taking them on vacations, to Sky Zone, to parks and playgrounds, and especially out to eat. These were his favorite joys.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lila and Argel Holcomb.
He is survived by his wife Theresa Holcomb, his son Drew Holcomb (Hollie), and his grandchildren Graham, Carson, Owen, and Haddie Holcomb, his brothers David Holcomb (Patsy) and Garry Holcomb (Betty), and his aunt Janice Wilson, He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, and a great-great niece as well as well as many great friends, that, while so important, are too numerous to name here.
Larry was the epitome of a people person. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh and was ornery as ever until his final breath. We are sad because we will miss him so much, but we are comforted knowing that he is finally at rest and walking strong in Heaven with his savior, Jesus, and that his family will be with him again someday. He was so proud to serve his country and we are even more proud of him for doing so.
A memorial service will be held at South Haven Baptist Church on Saturday, September 14th with visitation starting at 10am and funeral to follow at 11am.
