Larry Black

(From Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home)

Larry William Black, age 79, of Carl Junction, Missouri, the son of George William and Carolyn Mae (Fitzpatrick) Black was born April 15, 1944, in Butler, Missouri and passed from this life on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Freeman Health Systems in Joplin, Missouri. 

Larry lived much of his life in Rich Hill where he spent his time growing up under the watchful care of his beloved mother, grandparents and uncle who poured their love in to this only child. Larry’s stepfather, Jay Jenkins also played an integral part in his life.

It was in kindergarten that he met Rosemary Anne Starr who was the owner of “the fancy Magenta crayon” in her extra-large crayon box which featured colors that a standard crayon box did not offer. They went on to become high school sweethearts where Larry was active in the student body and excelled in track with his quickness in the 100-yard dash and running events, while Rosemary developed her natural interest in, and love of art. 

Larry graduated with the Rich Hill Class of 1963. Following high school, he and Rosemary were united in marriage on February 15, 1964, in Nevada and to their union three children were born.

Larry attended Barber College in Kansas City, then moved back to Rich Hill -- and on his first day in business cut 80 heads of hair for $1.00 each. He described the day as – “exhausting," 

As the years passed something happened in October 1977 that would change his life forever. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and his life would never again be the same. His devotion to the Lord shown through in everything that he did. He later became a minister spending years at the First Baptist Church in Schell City and with Christian Home Fellowship in Rich Hill. He also spent many years as a supply minister in Vernon and Bates counties and was involved in countless revivals through the years in many towns in southwest Missouri. He also worked for a time at 3-M, the Nevada Habilitation Center and Walmart. 

His ministry never stopped through his life – whether it be at his Barber shop that he built in 1980 or simply visiting with people that he encountered on the street – his passion for the Lord overflowed in every area of his life. On November 7, 1994, he lost Rosemary.

Larry’s work, life and ministry continued and on September 22, 1998, he was united in marriage to Nancy Lucille (Helsley) Fagan in Rich Hill, and they have enjoyed nearly 25 years together. After living for a time in Rich Hill, they have resided in El Dorado Springs, Marshfield, and most recently Carl Junction. Larry had continued to cut hair in people’s homes and garages or anywhere there was a request, developed a love of restoring furniture and was always spreading the word of Jesus Christ with Nancy by his side.

Survivors include his wife Nancy of the home in Carl Junction; his three children; daughter, Lori Elizabeth Baker and husband, Chris; daughter, Lisa Christine Rainey and husband Bill; and son, Jason Wade Black; along with Nancy’s children, Teresa Curtis and husband John and A.J. Fagan and wife Amy; grandchildren, Jordan Baker and wife Ruth; Lindsay Aycock and husband Nathan; Heather Giddeon and husband Paul; Hannah Rainey; Logyn Rainey; Lincoln Black; Paityn Black: Myla Black and Daphne Fagan; great grandchildren, Archie; Gus; Hazel and two babes on the way. 

Aside from his first wife Rosemary, parents, grandparents and stepfather, Larry was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Olivia – the daughter of Lisa and Bill.

Graveside Service
Friday, August 4, 2023 at 10:00AM
Green Lawn
120 N. 7th Street
Rich Hill, MO 64779