James Lawrence Willingham

James Lawrence Willingham "Larry" passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025. Larry was a cherished husband, dad and papa who loved Jesus, his family and his country. His life was defined by his quiet and gentle nature, his willingness to go the extra mile for anyone, avid storytelling, and his love and dedication to his family.

As a young child, his family moved to Bevier, Missouri, and his love for this small town became evident. He was a true "Bevierian" and he never missed a Bevier Homecoming in his lifetime. It was here in Bevier that he met the love of his life, Delight Sue Bailey. Their marriage spanned 62 years. During the early years of their marriage, the two spent lots of time being involved with the Bevier All-Star Baseball team. Larry always said "our team was pretty near unbeatable!" and he made many cherished friends and memories that lasted his entire life. He later volunteered with the Bevier Homecoming Association, and was a member of the Bevier School Board for 18 years. He always enjoyed sporting events at Bevier High School, and although a quiet man, could occasionally get caught yelling at the referees and umpires. His favorite saying was "Get your head in the game, Ref!" and then sheepishly smiled. The highlight of his last few years included going to his grandchildrens' sporting events at Bevier High School.

Larry began his career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, at age 19, even though the normal age of hire was 21. He was hired because of his ability and knowledge of using Morse Code. During his career at MSHP he was a Radio Operator, an instructor at the Patrol Academy and later the Chief Radio Operator. Larry was dedicated to his job, and his career spanned 39 years. His legacy continues through his Son-In-Law, Justin Parks, who now carries on this career path.

Larry also had many hobbies, one of which was Ham Radio. He became an official Ham Radio Operator at the age of 14 under the call letters K0ARS, and was a member of the Ham Radio Club in Macon, MO. During his Ham Radio involvement, Larry talked to every country in the world with the exception of North Korea. He also contacted every single county, in every state, via a mobile unit, CW-Morse Code, and/or voice chats, multiple times. We have fond memories of listening to him tap out Morse Code, pulling over on the side of the road to talk to a county using his mobile unit, and gathering all of his grandchildren together to take the annual picture for his QSL card. He passed down his love of Ham Radio to his son Nathan who has the call letters KA0UFO.

A man of many talents, Larry excelled in building and doing anything electrical. Larry and Delight were a great team that built and remodeled houses and did many projects together. Delight could draw up plans, and Larry could always make it happen. It was the norm in the family to "do-it-yourself" and his son, Nathan and his Son-In-Law, Randy are now at the helm. Larry's daughters, Melodie and Rebekah learned early on that "daddy could fix it!"

Some of the fondest memories we have are those shared during family vacations. From Disney, to cruising, mountains and oceans, Larry was always a good sport and humored all of our shenanigans, even if it meant getting in water. His laugh and humor were contagious and he could be talked into just about anything. We are thankful for his willingness to make memories and it will continue for generations to come.

Larry was very patriotic. He loved bald eagles, the flag, red white and blue, Willie Nelson and the St. Louis Cardinals. Some knew him as Larry, others knew him as Willy, Mean Hog, and/or Jim and with those nicknames came some very interesting stories! He was a true conservative and loved war history. Our husband, dad, and papa will be missed, but he has left a mark on each of us that will last forever. We are most thankful that he taught us to Love Jesus and to make Him the center of our lives. Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Well done, dad, well done.

A private family graveside service will be in the New Addition Oakwood Cemetery in Bevier, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Hutton & McElwain Funeral Home in Macon, MO. The family suggests memorials to the Bevier C-4 School.