(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)
Larry Albert Herron, 82, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved and cherished. His life was shaped by his relationship with Jesus, his deep love for family, a passion for teaching, and an enduring appreciation for fishing—whether he was on the water or encouraging his grandchildren to cast their first lines.
Born on January 18, 1943, in Joplin, Missouri, Larry grew up on the Herron dairy farm along Shoal Creek, where the entire family worked together to keep the farm running. He attended Saginaw Elementary School and graduated from Neosho High School in 1960, where he was active in FFA, rifle club, and the choir.
After high school, Larry attended Joplin Junior College, graduating in 1962, before earning a degree in biology from Pittsburg State University in 1964. He later earned a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in 1972.
While attending Neosho High School, Larry met Linda Kay Sweeney in Mr. Tink’s typing class. Over the years, Larry caught some impressive fish, but Linda was, without question, the greatest catch of his life. They married on September 1, 1962, building a life together through hard work, family, and plenty of time spent outdoors.
Faith was always a part of Linda’s life, and through her prayers and perseverance, Larry came to know Jesus in the 1980s. His decision to follow Christ changed everything, shaping not only his own life but also strengthening their marriage. Together, they grew in their faith, leading Bible clubs and sharing the love of Christ with others.
Larry and Linda raised two children, Timothy Brock Herron and his wife Dianna of Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, and Kimberly Herron Gingrich and her husband Larry of Overland Park, Kansas. Their family spent countless hours together at their cabin on Table Rock Lake in Shell Knob, Missouri, where fishing and time outdoors brought everyone closer. If you were part of this family, one thing was certain—fishing was going to be in your blood.
Larry was a proud grandfather to Brock Herron and his fiancée Katie, Ethan Herron and his wife Lauren, Ashley Russell and her husband Matt, Scott Bartoski and his wife Alison, Morgan Shoal, Lindsay Goldsmith and her husband Joey, Benjamin Gingrich and his wife Stacey, and Anna Gingrich. His grandchildren knew that time with Grandpa often meant heading to the water, where they learned to fish, heard his best stories, and made memories that will last a lifetime. While the 14 great-grandchildren may not have had the chance to cast a line with him, they will grow up hearing the legendary fishing tales and lessons he passed down through the generations.
Larry spent 30 years teaching biology and earth sciences at Diamond High School from 1965 to 1995. He loved teaching and cared deeply about his students—not just their grades, but who they were becoming. Larry found joy in encouraging his students to explore the world with curiosity and purpose, always taking time to connect with them on a personal level.
Outside of the classroom, Larry was an avid fisherman and a longtime member of the Southwest Missouri Bass Club. He still holds the Beaver Lake record for largemouth bass, catching an 11-pound, 4-ounce fish on March 15, 1972.
After committing his life to Christ, Larry chose to put tournament fishing on hold to focus on something even more important—helping others come to know Jesus. He and Linda led Bible clubs, invested in the lives of young people, and spent years serving with the Gideons.
Later, fishing became a special way for Larry to bond with his grandchildren. He and his grandkids fished together in the Like Father, Like Son tournament circuit, where they shared countless wins, tall tales, and cherished memories.
Larry and Linda were longtime members of First United Methodist Church in Joplin, Missouri, where they faithfully served for many years. Later in life, they became members of Christ's Community Church in Joplin, where they enjoyed worshiping and growing in their walk with God. Through the Gideons, Larry was passionate about sharing the love of Jesus and ensuring others had access to His Word.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Pauline Baker and William Oscar Herron; his sister, Tana Elisabeth Houston; and his brother, Terry Bill Herron.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his aunt, Toby Manker of Binghamton, New York; and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the caregivers, clergy, friends, and extended family who have supported them throughout this time. Your kindness, prayers, and presence have been a source of great comfort and strength.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Larry Herron will be held at Mason-Woodard Chapel in Joplin, Missouri on February 1, at 10:00 AM followed by a graveside service at the Osborn Cemetery also in Joplin. The family will host a visitation to celebrate his life following services at 1:00 PM at the family home. We encourage all who knew Larry to come on by! In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gideons International or Christ's Community Church in Joplin, Missouri, honoring his love for Jesus and others.
