Larry Reed

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(From Clark Funeral Home)

Dr. Larry Dell Reed, age 67, passed away in the early morning on Friday, August 19, 2022, due to complications from Kennedy’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. Larry, the son of Dell and Louise Reed, was born on June 22, 1955 in Emporia, KS.

Larry’s early years were spent in a variety of cities and states as his father gained experience as a teacher and school administrator. Larry moved with his family to Neosho in 1968 when his father took a position with Crowder College. 

Larry graduated from Neosho High School in 1973. He was active in many sports during those years. He went to Crowder College where he played baseball. 

He received his associate degree in 1975. Larry then attended the University of Arkansas where he earned his Math Education degree in 1977. From there, Larry taught in Douglass, KS for a year. He then moved to Carthage, MO where he taught math and coached baseball, football, and wrestling. It was during that time that Larry earned his Master’s at Pittsburg State University. 

At that point, Larry was hired by Leggett and Platt. He was the assistant plant manager at their Denver, CO plant. He decided to move back to Missouri and taught at Joplin Memorial High School. From there, Larry took his first administrator’s position and became a principal at Pierce City. After completing his Specialist’s degree from Missouri State University, Larry become the youngest school superintendent in Missouri when he accepted a position at Niangua Schools. 

In 1990, Larry accepted a Superintendent’s position at Blair Oaks. While there, he completed his Doctorate at University of Missouri. In 1995, Larry was the Director of the Springfield Catholic School System. He then moved to the Northwest School District in House Springs, MO in 1998. His last school position was as the Superintendent of Schools at the Dunklin School District. Larry retired in 2003. 

Larry enjoyed most all sports and especially enjoyed coaching sports. He believed in the power of education. Larry exhibited great strength in his later years as he dealt with the difficulties of debilitating disease. He did not complain, nor did he give up.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Reed Phillips (Bryan) and son, Scott (Esther Kim). He is also survived by his mother, Louise, and his 3 brothers, Gary (Debbie), Brad (Raven) and Mick (Pam); two grandsons, Bryan Jr and Dallas Phillips; his former wife, Pris Jeffers Reed; and numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his son, Larry David Reed; his father, Dell Reed; and both sets of grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Larry’s honor can be made to the Larry Reed scholarship through the Crowder College Foundation at 601 LaClede Ave, Neosho, MO 64850.

Visitation for Larry will be Friday, August 26th from 5:30 until 7 pm at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho. The service for Larry will be on Saturday, August 27th at 10 am at Clark Funeral Home. Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com. Services under direction of the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, Missouri.