Larry Six

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Larry Clayton Six, age 85 of Joplin, passed away on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 at Westgate by Wildwood in Joplin. He was born on January 19, 1941 in Joplin to Lawrence E. Sex and Dorothy M. Sex. Larry pastored many churches in the states, and was a missionary to Nigeria, West Africa, Papua, New Guinea and Hong Kong, for close to thirty years. Lamentations 3:22-23.

Larry was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. Those titles came to him from marriage to Jo Ann (Higgins) on September 14, 1962 in Joplin. He took great care of his wife and his family. His children recall his great communication with others, love for nature, early morning Bible studies, and family devotions after dinner. He always made sure to check out the latest editions of the Bible as they were published in various translations.

After college, Larry worked for a time in forestry in the Red Woods before answering his call to ministry. His passion for the great outdoors never left. He enjoyed fishing, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Kansas City Chiefs football, tennis and chess. He was a member of the 1959 Joplin High School baseball team who were state champions in St. Louis.

The ministry of Larry was wide-reaching. He, Jo Ann and the family traveled far and wide, from churches in California, Missouri, Kansas and around the globe. Once they finally returned home, he pastored at Liberty Baptist Church in Webb City and worked at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with David Dillon. He admired the ministry of serving in the funeral industry, and made a great many of friends throughout his time there. He retired in 2009.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert E. Sex; his daughter Kelly Richardson; and a granddaughter, Stephanie Six. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; his children Robert C., Daniel C., and Laura L. Six; grandchildren Aaron (Amanda) McBride and Andrew (Sarah) McBride, Sara McBride, Taylor (Candace) Six, Chris (Allison) Six; great grandchildren Olivia Ruhle, Charlee McBride, Emerson McBride, Skyler McBride, Dax McBride, Lincoln Six and Emelia Jo McBride; and a son in-law Steven Richardson.

A visitation will be held from 6-7pm on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Larry's funeral service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the same venue with Pastor Brian Jump officiating.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit Larry's memorial page at www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Larry's ministry over the years.