(From Parker Mortuary)Richard “Mike” Larson, age 72, passed away on July 16th 2026. He was born on July 5th, 1954 in Joplin, MO., to the late Richard and Wilma Larson.
He was raised in Carl Junction until age eight when his family moved to a farm north of Carl Junction, MO. He attended Waco Elementary School and then graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1972. He attended MSSU and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education. He was hired to teach math and to coach by Jerry B. Stark.
He taught five years and during this time he married the love of his life, Julia L. Speakman, on May 31th 1980. After teaching, he decided to farm with his father. Upon returning to teaching, he moved to Briarbrook and resided there for 40 years.
He has two loving children, Alex Michael and Kirsten Lynne. He was a Methodist his entire life, attending New Hope United Methodist, Carl Junction Methodist, and Pleasant Hill Methodist Church. He was rebaptized in July 2020 by Pastor Bob Simon in his backyard pool.
After 27 years of education at CJHS, he worked at the Joplin YMCA and refereed football and basketball for 10 years. He was the Southwest Missouri Athletic Director of the Year in 1997 and selected to the inaugural class of the Carl Junction Athletics Hall of Fame.
He has two loving children, Alex Michael and Kirsten Lynne. He was a Methodist his entire life, attending New Hope United Methodist, Carl Junction Methodist, and Pleasant Hill Methodist Church. He was rebaptized in July 2020 by Pastor Bob Simon in his backyard pool.
After 27 years of education at CJHS, he worked at the Joplin YMCA and refereed football and basketball for 10 years. He was the Southwest Missouri Athletic Director of the Year in 1997 and selected to the inaugural class of the Carl Junction Athletics Hall of Fame.
Mike’s family was his entire life. His kids and grandkids meant everything to him and he loved spending time with them. He is survived by his wife Julie, his son Alex, and daughter Kirsten. His sister Cindy and husband Donnie. His grandkids Evey, Smith, Ace, Josie, and Tennessee. His nephew Austin and niece Rachel, along with many cousins.
Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at the Carl Junction High School Gymnasium with Chaplain Roger Flint officiating. Burial will follow at Carl Junction Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 4-7:00 p.m. at the High School Gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mike Larson Iron Dog Scholarship fund c/o the mortuary. Arrangements are under the care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.
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