Larry Chester Crisp (Hartville)'s Obituary
Larry Chester Crisp departed this life to be with his Lord in his heavenly home on March 11, 2016, at the age of 70, at Cox Medical Center South at 9:30 in the evening. Larry was visited by many friends and family members during his last 2 weeks as a patient in Cox Medical Center.
Larry was born on October 26, 1945 in Springfield, MO to his parents, Lester and Hazel (Prock) Crisp. He attended school at Hartville and helped out at the family business, Sinclair Filling Station, during his high school years. Larry graduated from Hartville High School in 1963 and went to work at Terril-Phelps (now Reliable Chevrolet) as a parts salesman. In 1964, Larry married the love of his life, Kirby Lewis. In 1965, Larry and Kirby made their home in Bolivar and he worked as a car salesman for Bill Roberts Chevrolet. They welcomed their first child, Jeffrey Anthony, in 1967. In 1969, Larry and Kirby made their home in Hartville where he started his own car business, Larry Crisp Motors. In 1971, their second child was born, Abbey Chantel. Ten years later (1981), they welcomed their third child, Ashley Lauren.
Larry had many passions and hobbies. Among them were hunting, fishing, bass tournaments, truck pulling, golfing, attending NASCAR races and Hartville Eagle Basketball games, and Wednesday night card night with the “guys”. Larry was very adventurous in his hobbies and work. He ventured into the cattle business and as a Tennessee Walking Horse owner, each for a very short time. In addition, Larry enjoyed being a co-owner of Dent Works of Springfield for a few years. Over the years, he enjoyed many hunting trips with his friends and many weekends of truck pulling with his family and friends, as the driver of Mr. GMC and The Knight Rider. He was also a member of the Lion’s Club and had served as mayor and a school board member. Fishing was always one of his favorite hobbies. He always found time to share with friends when fishing was involved. The friendships he maintained over the years are too numerous to mention, but were a big part of his life. Larry was also an avid fan and a dedicated attendee of the Hartville Eagles Boys’ Basketball games. He was sad to miss the final four games and would have loved to have celebrated the boys’ most recent win where they were named State Champions.
Family time was another one of Larry’s passions. He loved spending time with his children and their families. His first granddaughter, Karsen Rae Beckett, was born in 2000 to John and Abbey (Crisp) Beckett and as he said it…”It was about time”. In 2003, Kasey Lane Beckett (John and Abbey’s) arrived as granddaughter number two and Makinley Elaine Crisp (Jeff and Susan’s) in 2010 arrived as granddaughter number three. Larry also enjoyed many granddogs: Bailey, Wrigley, Keegan, Bella, and Brutus to name the most recent. Over the years, he was able to vacation at different times with Kirby and each of the children’s families. During the last several years, Larry enjoyed entertaining family and friends at his condo on Lake of the Ozarks.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Hazel Crisp; his father and mother in-law, Elmer and Jewel Lewis; his brother, Donald Crisp; and a nephew, Shane Kelley, who was like a second son. He is survived by his wife, Kirby and their children: Jeff and wife Susan of Nixa, MO; Abbey and husband John Beckett of Camdenton, MO; and Ashley of Bristol, TN; his granddaughters: Karsen and Kasey Beckett and Makinley Crisp; a brother, Douglas Crisp and wife Cathy and sister, Beverly (Crisp) Lynch and husband Rick; a nephew, George Crisp and wife Shala; and nieces, Brandie (Crisp) Robb and husband Kevin, Leslie Lynch, and Julie Lynch.
Larry accepted Jesus, as his Lord and Savior in 1968 while living in Mtn. Grove and was most recently a member of Diggin’s Baptist Church. His family is comforted by knowing he was at peace with going to his heavenly home. He was always a dedicated husband, friend, father, and grandfather.
He was a man with many attributes. His positive attitude, caring heart, faithfulness, great work ethic, mentorship, and loyalty were just a few of his qualities that he lived by and a legacy that he has left for his children.
Larry will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. We celebrate his life and cherish the memories he created for his family and many friends. He will live in our hearts forever.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Diggins Baptist Church Building Fund, or to the Hartville Boys Basketball Scholarship Fund, through HHFH PO Box 236, Hartville, Mo. 65667
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