Larry Stephenson
Larry Everett Stephenson, 81, formerly of Dean Lake, MO, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after a two-year struggle with cancer. He passed away in Higginsville, MO, where he had chosen to live for the past 53 days to be cared for by his daughter. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Evergreen Cemetery in DeWitt, MO at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Terry Cook will officiate the service. Military honors will be provided by Brunswick American Legion Post #7. A visitation will precede the graveside service at Breshears Memorial Chapel in Brunswick, MO on Saturday from 9:30 – 10:30 A.M.
Larry was born on March 29, 1944 in Brookfield, MO, the first-born son of Lois and Lillian (Dobbins) Stephenson of Dean Lake. He attended first grade at Dean Lake School, then grades second through eighth at Triplett School, and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1962. On September 30, 1964, Larry enlisted into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for three years as an MP (Military Police Officer). In 1966, he married Nancy Price, and they were blessed with one daughter, Stephanie. On September 13, 1967, he was honorably discharged.
After his active-duty service, Larry became a Missouri State Highway Patrolman. He also continued his military career by joining the Missouri National Guard and on November 21, 1990, he was called up for active duty. He once again honorably served his country until July 20, 1991. In all, Larry served his country for 28 years, of which Larry was a unit supply specialist for 13 years, a military police officer for 15 years, and reached the rank of First Sergeant. During his time of service, he earned the army service ribbon, the army lapel button, the national defense service medal with a bronze star, the army reserve components achievement medal with 3rd oak leaf cluster, the army commendation medal, good conduct medal, armed forces reserve medal, humanitarian service medal, NCO professional development ribbon “4”, the army reserve components overseas training ribbon, expert (.45 caliber pistol), sharpshooter (m-16 rifle), and the overseas service ribbon.
During his time in the National Guard, Larry met his future wife, Linda Willis, and on May 26, 1982, they were united in marriage. The couple lived in Lone Jack, MO for more than a decade and it was during that time that they welcomed more than 30 foster children into their home, one of whom they adopted, Daniel. After 32 years as a highway patrolman, Larry retired in 2004 and the family moved back to Larry’s childhood hometown, Dean Lake. During his retirement, Larry worked for local farmers and took care of the Dean Lake property and “The Woods”. He became known as the unofficial Mayor of Dean Lake.
Larry served his community in many ways, which included driving friends and relatives to doctor’s appointments, maintained the Stephenson Cemetery, was a member of the Brunswick American Legion, the Triplett Road District, served on the Brunswick Senior Citizen’s board, and also served on the McCullough Cemetery board. Larry loved his family and his country. He enjoyed hunting, helping local farmers during harvest, being outdoors, and in his youth, he was a member of the Ski-Ters Waterskiing Club.
Larry is survived by his two children, Stephanie Morgan of Higginsville, MO and Daniel Stephenson of Triplett, MO; one brother, Lonnie Stephenson and his wife Virginia of Kansas City, MO; his ex-wife and friend, Nancy Blair of Higginsville, MO; and also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Lillian; his wife, Linda in 2009; one granddaughter, Amanda Morgan in 2022; and his significant other, Pamelia Tietjens in 2024.
Pallbearers will be Nathan Stephenson, Mathew Stephenson, Luke Stephenson, Andy Willis, Randy Moore, and Danny Dobbins. Honorary pallbearers will be Martin “Digger” Rainey, Misty Rainey, Dale Moore, Bob Legg, Ashley Elliott, and Kimball Wilcox.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Evergreen Cemetery or Three Rivers Hospice. Donations may be left at Breshears Memorial Chapel or mailed to the funeral home at 207 W. Broadway, Brunswick, MO, 65236.