Larry Benjamin Obituary
Larry D. Benjamin, 71, of Bowling Green, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 at his residence. He was born on May 12, 1954 in Louisiana, MO to Lawrence and Joanne (Helms) Benjamin, Jr. Larry was raised in Pike County, Illinois and was the oldest of his six siblings. At the age of 13, he helped his grandparents pick apples and spent a lot of time with them.
After graduating from Pleasant Hill High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and was stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he moved back to Louisiana, MO. This is where he met his soulmate, Lonna Presley. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on Oct. 10, 1982 in Louisiana, MO To this union were born two children: Lucas and Logan. Larry also had a daughter, Chastity Anderson, from his first marriage. During these years, Larry was employed as a police officer with the City of Louisiana.
In 1987, he decided to re-enter the U.S. Army and was sent to Egypt. His country was everything to him and he always wanted to keep it safe. He was stationed in many different cities and countries during his time in service. After he retired from the Army, the couple moved back to Pleasant Hill, Illinois. They later relocated to Frankford and lastly Bowling Green.
After the 911 attack, Larry tried to re-enlist, but because of age was not accepted. His love of his country made him sign up with a military contractor in Iraq, serving honorable for six years.
Some of his hobbies included making knives, gun smithing, and leading the local militia. His No. 1 priority was his family; he cherished each and everyone of them and will be greatly missed and long remembered by everyone that knew him.
Surviving are his beloved and devoted wife of over 43 years, Lonna Benjamin; his mother, Joanne Benjamin; his three children: Chastity (Mike) Anderson of Pittsfield, IL, Lucas Benjamin of Troy, Logan (Adriana) Benjamin of Hannibal; nine grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Garret, Gracie, Autumn, Emma, Micah, Isabelle, Kody, and Lily and one great-grandchild, Lakelynn. He is further survived by his three siblings: Brenda (Bill) Francis of Frankfort, Glenda Myers of Eolia, Cindy (John) Hargas of Frankford; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Benjamin; his three siblings: Susie Benjamin, Tom Benjamin and Vince Benjamin and his grandparents, Lawrence Benjamin and Nora Bell Benjamin.
His visitation is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 701 N. Business Hwy 61, Bowling Green, MO (1-636-528-8244)
Larry's funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bowling Green location with military honors. Rev. Terry Cook to officiate.
Memorials may be made to: McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory. Family and friends are invited to sign our online guestbook at: www.mccoyblossomfh.com
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Published by WGEM on Sep. 19, 2025.