Larry Odell Simpson was born the son of Edwin Odell Simpson and Delpha Jewelene Stogsdill Simpson on October 24, 1946, in Alton, Missouri and departed this life on January 26, 2026, at his home in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 79 years. He married Rosella Crass on January 7, 1967, in Myrtle, Missouri. Larry and Rosie were happily married for 59 years.
He is survived by his wife Rosie of Thayer, Missouri; two sons Robert (Melody) Simpson, Matt (Rhonda) Simpson of Thayer, Missouri, three grandchildren Garrett ( Shana) Smith of Myrtle, Missouri, Shelby (Ryne) Long of Thayer, Missouri, and Teanna (Justin) Anderson of McPherson, Kansas; four great-grandchildren Hagen and Whitley Smith, Wade and Jensen Long; sister Lana Waits of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, sister and brother-in-law Tilda and Rick Toomey of Thayer, Missouri; beloved uncle Bill Felts of Springfield, Missouri; Aunt Davie Scott of Nixa, Missouri, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Jewelene; mother and father-in-law Charles and Welliene Crass.
Larry was a Police Officer for the City of Thayer from 1980-1990 and spent nineteen years working at DRS in West Plains. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Though his passing was unexpected, he was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A man of steady hands and generous heart, Larry found his greatest joy in the garage fixing, building, or tinkering with whatever his children or grandchildren brought his way. No request was ever too small or too complicated.
Larry had a gift for making things work whether it was an old engine, a broken appliance, or a problem someone didn’t quite know how to solve. His patience, skill, and willingness to help taught his family the value of hard work, perseverance, and showing up for one another. Above all, Larry cherished his family. He was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren and found deep happiness in time spent together, telling stories, sharing laughs, and quietly being present. His wisdom was often shared through actions rather than words and his love was felt in everything he did. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the projects he completed, and the countless memories made alongside him.
Officiating will be Erman Croney, pallbearers will be Brian Toomey, Ryne Long, Garrett Smith, Justin Anderson, Dustin Howell, Gary Baldridge, and honorary pallbearers will be Rick Toomey, Stanley Hedden, Jim Wiggs.
Memorials can be sent to
Heavens Creatures
1416 West 8th Street
West Plains, Missouri, 65775
or left with the funeral home.
A Visitation will be held on January 30, 2026, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. until time of the Funeral Service at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be at the Thayer Cemetery of Thayer, Missouri on Friday, January 30, 2026.
January 28, 2026 @ 4:14 pm
We are so deeply saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. He made a profound impact on my life. We are so sorry we can’t make it to the funeral. We are sending our love and prayers.
January 29, 2026 @ 9:46 am
Matt, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are all in my prayers.
January 29, 2026 @ 10:38 am
Rosie, Robert and Matt so sorry to hear about Larry’s passing, It was shock to me. I have wonderful memories of our childhood growing up with Larry in Thayer. Larry was such a good person and gentle soul. He will truly missed by all who knew him and especialy his family.
RIP dear cousin. Love Linda
January 29, 2026 @ 11:17 am
Matt so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Our Condolences.
January 30, 2026 @ 3:20 pm
Rosie – Our sincere condolences go out to you and your family at this difficult time.