Larry McKenzie

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Larry L. McKenzie age 81 of Webb City, Missouri went to be with the Lord and was welcomed into his eternal home on January 11, 2021. He was born on August 16, 1939 in Joplin, MO to Hugh and June (Carman) McKenzie. 

Larry was the youngest of 4 siblings; sister Jean, and brothers John and Rodney. His parents and siblings proceeded him in death. 

Larry lived most of his life in Joplin. He received his master’s degree in Elementary Education and taught school in Weir, KS before moving to Webb City, where he taught at Alba and Mark Twain Schools, and later became principal of Carterville Elementary School. 

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia (Kimbley) McKenzie. 

He also leaves behind his children; Matt McKenzie and wife Robin, of The Woodlands, TX; Heather Cawyer, and husband Jim of Webb City, MO; Travis McKenzie of Webb City, MO; Kyle McKenzie and wife Meghan Kamler of Joplin; and daughter-in-law Amanda McKenzie of Joplin. Larry took great pride in his role as “Grandpa” (or “Crappa”) for over 30 years, with grandkids spanning from 30 years old to 4 years old; Brianna McGee and husband Matt, Caitlin McKenzie, Jacob Cawyer and wife Esther, Mitchell McKenzie, and Fiona Kamler-McKenzie. 

He was a kind and loving man and his grandchildren thought the world of him, and his family was very important to him. Larry loved to read and listen to music. He was a fan and collector of all things to deal with Harry Truman and he enjoyed listening to gospel music. He read the newspaper daily and was a plethora of information. 

If any of his kids needed to know anything, they knew who to ask. Larry had a great sense of humor and was always pleasant to be around. He was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend. He will be greatly missed. A private family service will be held in his honor to commemorate a life well lived by a man who loved well. 

Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.