Larry Martin

Larry Joe Martin, age 81, of Jefferson City, Mo., went to be with his Heavenly Father on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Summit Villa Memory Care, in Holts Summit, Mo. surrounded by his loving family.
Larry was born on November 21, 1942, in Kennett, Mo., the son of JT and Thelma (Minner) Martin. Larry, a.k.a. Lawrence of the Boot Heel, married Carol Susan "Sue" Gillilan, who survives at the home, on August 12, 1967, in St. Louis, Mo.
Larry grew up on a cotton farm in the Missouri Boot Heel where he learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and personal integrity. From an early age, Larry hand-picked cotton and drove Ford and International Harvester tractors around the family farm. Larry graduated from Bragg City High School in 1961 and went on to Central Methodist College, where he graduated in 1965 with a Sociology degree.
During his time at Central, Larry served as the Freshman Class President and joined Omicron Delta Kappa, a men's honorary leadership fraternity. While working as the business manager for the college newspaper, he met the love of his life, Sue. According to her mother, Louise, Larry was Sue's perfect match. They married while Larry was completing his master's degree in social work at the University of Missouri. During this period, he joined the ROTC program at Mizzou, which ignited his military career.
After completing two master's degrees, Larry was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1968, with his class being deployed to Germany for two years of active duty. He became part of the Seventh Cavalry Regiment as a tank commander. Larry's reasoning was that if he had to go into battle, he would rather ride than walk. Upon returning from overseas, Larry dedicated himself to serving both his state and country. He held various positions within the Department of Social Services and retired in 2003 after 32 years. Larry simultaneously continued with his military service as an Army Reserve Officer and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel toward the end of his 28 years of honorable service.
Larry's love for his family was boundless. He & Sue raised two children, Jeff (Cathy) and Jenni, who reside in the Jefferson City area. He cherished and supported them in every way possible through his involvement in Jefferson City Schools city-wide P.T.O.; volunteering as an Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America Troop 5; faithfully attending dance and piano recitals, wrestling meets, choir concerts, and rescuing his children from a few car accidents. A true gentleman, Larry was always willing to help and made time for those he loved. His abounding patience and steady demeanor perfectly exemplified the kind of man he was, and he will be deeply missed.
The legacies Larry leaves will live on through his precious grandkids: Evan Martin, Bryan Ford, Aidan Martin, Josey Ford, and Elise Martin. His quest for healthy living through nutrition and exercise will continue in Evan's daily life. Larry's enjoyment of history and epic stories is embodied in Bryan's passion for screenwriting and film making. His enjoyment of nature and outdoor adventures along with a desire to serve others will continue to live on through Aidan. Larry appreciated music and enjoyed live performances which Josey will carry on as she passionately performs her own compositions. Elise expresses his indefatigable persistence and perseverance every time she dons her dancing shoes. Larry's enjoyment of boating, fishing, and family led to an annual trip to Table Rock Lake and Big Cedar Lodge which all the grandkids eagerly anticipate each year.
Larry developed numerous hobbies as an adult. One of his notable achievements was earning his commercial pilot's license and instrument rating, which allowed him to make family trips more memorable. Larry also loved trout fishing at Bennett Springs and spending time on his boat. When he wasn't in the air or on the water, he enjoyed playing golf and snow skiing; Larry and Sue traveled in early retirement with beloved family and friends.
As a devoted Christian, Larry authentically lived out his faith in every aspect of life. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church for 52 years where he taught a confirmation class for several decades. Larry also served on various church committees which led to the development of the multipurpose building of FUMC. He and Sue passionately participated in Walk to Emmaus, a retreat for spiritual growth, and Larry helped to establish the United Methodist youth retreat known as Chrysalis.
In addition to Sue, Jeff, Cathy, Jenni, and grandkids, Larry is survived by sisters-in-law, Judy Frame and Lue (Jerry) Phillips, special family friend, Holly Harber, several nieces & nephews, beloved cousins and family friends.
Larry's parents, JT and Thelma Martin, and brother, John Tyler Martin, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024, at First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. Friday with the Reverend Trevor Dancer and the Reverend Dr. Stephen Buchholz officiating. Military honors will be rendered immediately following the service at the church. Private graveside services and interment will be held at Green Ridge Cemetery near Sedalia, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Common Ground, 1015 East Atchison Street, Jefferson City, MO. 65101 or First United Methodist Church, 201 Monroe Street, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101 to help with their youth programs.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.