Willard Lawrence 'Larry' Friend, age 72, Joplin, passed away at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, July 5, 2015 at his residence after an illness.
Larry was born January 1, 1943 in Neosho, Missouri and had lived in the Joplin area most of his life.
Larry worked as a plumber for the former Hudson Plumbing Company for many years. He was also a mechanic and built and raced the dirt track motor raceways in the area. Since the mid 1970's, he owned and operated a safety truck that worked the racetracks at 66 Motor Speedway; Northfork; Monett; Springfield and Bolivar. When he wasn't building or racing cars, he enjoyed his time camping and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, of the home; two sons, Chris Friend, Joplin, Joel Friend, New York, New York; two daughters, Michelle Friend, Iowa, Melissa Gates, Joplin; a brother, Leroy David Friend, Ojai, California; grandchildren, Dakota, Lawrence, Kathryn, Promise, Craig, Rob, Jed, Ezra, Ki, Sylvia, Eli, Stormy; and several great grandchildren.
Graveside services are planned for Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at Osborne Memorial Park Cemetery.
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