Atkins, Larry L. 1939-2024 Rea, Mo.

By NewsPress Now

REA, Mo. – Larry L. Atkins, 84, Rea, Missouri, passed away Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born on July 5, 1939, in Fillmore, Missouri, to the late Willie and Annie (Ueligger) Atkins. Larry was a 1957 graduate of Rosendale High School

,Mr. Atkins was a proud American and served his country in the Missouri Air National Guard from 1957-1959.

Larry devoted his life to civic duty. He was the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer for the Missouri State Highway Patrol for over 34 years and served as the Andrew County Presiding Commissioner for 16 years.

Larry volunteered for the Rosendale Fire Department as well as for the Boy Scouts of America. He was active as central committee member of the Andrew Country Republican Party for several years and was a member of the Rosendale Christian Church.

Larry loved farming and tractor cruises. Larry never knew a stranger and looked forward to his frequent coffee shop visits and hosting family get togethers.

Larry married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Clements, on April 25, 1958. They celebrated 53 years of marriage until her passing in 2011.

In addition to his wife and parents, Larry was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Mary Atkins; and two brothers, Lloyd and Dean Atkins.

Larry is survived by his four sons, Bryan (Glenna) and Darryl, of Rea, Monty (Wendy), of Bolckow, Missouri, and Kent, of Rea; grandchildren, Dustin (Kourtnea), Ariel (Payden), Colby (Kaitlin), Heather Gary), Zachary, Bryan Tyler Atkins; great-grandchildren, Faith, Laine, Harper, Emmy, Addie, Wrenley and Wells; brother, Dale Atkins; sister-in-law, Yolanda Clements; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Service 1:30 p.m. today Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith Savannah Chapel, Interment Savannah Cemetery, Savannah, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to North Andrew Scholarship Foundation. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.