Larry Don Long

Larry Don Long, age 87, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away suddenly at Freeman Hospital in Joplin on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. He was born February 11, 1938, in Loyal, Oklahoma (Kingfisher County) to the late Lew and Ruth (Maxwell) Long.

Larry grew to manhood on a farm, where he showed hogs and steers as his 4-H projects. In high school, he excelled in his ag shop classes-building a post hole digger out of a Model A rear end, loading chute gates, feeders, and more. He also milked 40 cows before and after school. Larry graduated with the class of 1956 from Altamont High School and later attended Bible College.

In 1959, Larry married Barbara Stuart, and from that union came three daughters: Tammy Sevart, Terry York, and Cindy Rae Westervelt. He farmed for several years and was part of a custom harvest crew, traveling as far as North Dakota. He operated a welding shop on the farm and purchased the blacksmith shop in Altamont, Kansas. Larry later went to work for Cooper Dairy Supply in Pryor, Oklahoma, before starting Long Dairy Supply in Oswego, Kansas, and eventually buying out Dairy Services, a Milkometer repair business. He also ran a plumbing and ditch-digging service.

In 1970, Larry married Barbara Blackledge, and from that union came four stepdaughters: Cheri Peine, Cindy Sparlin, Crystal Addis, and Jody Nading. Larry also worked for Stephens Manufacturing Co. as a crane operator and project superintendent, building feed mills, seed cleaning plants, and repairing elevators across the four-state area. He later worked for Jerry F. Jordan Co., installing equipment in new concrete elevators-sometimes 85 to 100 feet above a 110 foot building.

Larry eventually founded Larico Contracting, building several homes in the Oswego area and erecting steel buildings for farmland across the central United States, including turnkey steel structures in the four-state area. He later worked for Davis Construction in Columbus, Kansas, as project manager until his retirement.

On April 22, 1995, Larry married Verna Lea Davis. With this union came four stepsons: Richard Davis, Kim Duane Davis, Dale Davis, and Darrell Davis. Larry and Verna attended Bethel Baptist Church in Seneca, Missouri, where Larry oversaw the construction of the fellowship hall. After moving to Joplin, they became members of Faith Baptist Church.

Larry's life reflected both hard work and faith. He was known for his skill in building, his willingness to help others, and his devotion to family and church.

He is survived by his wife, Verna, of the home; daughters Tammy Sevart of Wichita, KS, Terry York (Jerry) of Oswego, KS, and Cindy Rae Westervelt of Lawrence, KS; stepdaughters Cheri Peine (Dean) of Oswego, Cindy Sparlin (Elmer) of Oswego, Crystal Addis (Lonie) of Oswego, and Jody Nading (Mark) of Oswego; stepsons Richard Davis of Fredericksburg, TX, Kim Duane Davis (Tammy) of La Grange, TX, and Darrell Davis (Nora) of Broken Arrow, OK; sister Jan Knewston (Richard) of Iola, KS; 14 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepson, Dale Davis.

A memorial service will be held Monday, August 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary, with visitation following the service. Committal of ashes will take place at a later date at Hornet Cemetery in Seneca, Missouri.

Cremation and funeral services have been entrusted to the care of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.