Larry Heafley's Obituary
Larry David Heafley, son of Walter D. “Jag” and Bernice Elizabeth Massey Heafley, was born November 1, 1942, in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Tuesday, September 15, 2009, in St. John’s Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of sixty-six years, ten months, and fourteen days. On June 18, 1965, he was united in marriage to Karen May Brown, and to this union one son was born. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two foster brothers, David Blackburn and Keith Blakely. Larry is survived by his loving wife of forty-four years, Karen, of the home; a son, Van Allen Heafley, and his wife, Pat, of Lebanon, Missouri; two grandchildren, Garrett and Katie Heafley; a brother, Garry Heafley, and his wife, Kay, of Lebanon, Missouri; three foster brothers, Phil Rose, John Long, and Ronnie Wolf, all of Lebanon, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and many, many friends. He was born and raised near Lebanon, in Laclede County, Missouri, and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1961. After he and Karen were married, they made their home in the Lebanon area and lovingly raised their son. Larry worked as a truck driver for Noble Hudson Feed and Seed for several years and also began operating his own farm at the same time. He continued to work in trucking and excavating throughout the years, and became an auctioneer in the mid 1960’s. Larry and his brother, Garry, established Heafley Brother’s Auction Service and were particularly well known for conducting benefit auctions. Larry made his profession of belief in Christ at the age of eighteen at Happy Hill Freewill Baptist Church. He continued to follow the Freewill Baptist faith throughout his life. He had a great love for music and played the bass guitar and sang bass with the Skylighters for several years. He was a Master Mason with the Laclede County Lodge # 83, A.F. & A.M. in Lebanon and was a longtime member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge # 192 in Lebanon. He had served on the board of directors of the New Home Cemetery for several years and was a member of the Lebanon Gideon Chapter. He also was a member of the Laclede County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol. In his spare time Larry enjoyed riding horses, collecting toy cars and knives, and liked going to tractor pulls. He was a man of strong convictions in what he believed, was fun loving, and enjoyed talking with his friends. He possessed a good heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. His family was very important to him and he had a very special relationship with his son, grandchildren, and brother. Larry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will remember him as a devoted family man, a dedicated businessman, and a true and good friend. Services will be held at 10:00am on Friday September 18, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Lebanon. Burial will be in the New Home Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday evening 5-9:00pm at the funeral home with Masonic & Odd Fellows services starting at 6:30pm under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established and donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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