Larry Tester

Larry Tester - age 69 of Holt, MO passed away Tuesday afternoon, February 25, 2025, at his home in Holt. Larry was born on January 24, 1956, the son of Alva and Shirley (Bernard) Tester in St. Joseph, MO, along with his twin brother, Gary. Larry grew up in Lathrop and attended Lathrop High School. The family moved to a farm outside of town when he was around eleven. Growing up on the farm, he learned the value of hard work and self-reliance, but he also knew how to have a good time. Larry was independent and full of determination. He did upholstery work nearly his entire working life, mostly as a hobby but started it as a family business with his mother after being injured in a car wreck at the age of 20. His injuries were severe, but he was determined to stand on his own two feet, which he did until the day he died. Larry also worked at Hallmark for ten years and later for MAGNA Seating in Excelsior Springs for over 18 years. He was a member of the United Auto Workers union and often expressed his gratitude for the organization. Larry had a passion for classic cars and trucks, reportedly owning over sixty in his lifetime, including a powder blue 1965 Ford Galaxy and a red 1966 Chevelle (his favorite). He had countless friends and made friends quickly with his sly smile, always cracking jokes and telling stories. Larry was incredibly loyal and very close with his siblings, his family and friends meant everything to him. Larry will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Gary Tester, Rick Tester, and Kathy Doyle. He is survived by his niece, Amber Tester of Holt; niece, Mandy (and Clayton) Stuart of Spokane, WA; nephew, Colby (and Brittany) Tester of Liberty, MO and nephew, Johnny Westbrook of Lathrop; great nieces and nephews, Emma, Scotty, Lilly, Dillan, Quinnton, Benny and Jaxen; cousin, Vicky of MO; other extended family members and many friends also survive.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Lathrop Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Lathrop Cemetery. There is no scheduled visitation. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com
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