Larry Wayne Neil

If you are reading this now it means I have passed on to a better life, one with my Lord and Savior and one of peace, joy, relaxation, and no pain. Sadly, I leave behind my wife of 49 years, and one wonderful son, Matthew.
Larry Wayne Neil was born November 7, 1945, in Clinton, MO. He died tragically and unexpectedly Friday, December 31, 2021, in Denver, CO.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Calvary Baptist Church, 7995 Outer Road, Odessa, Missouri, 64076. A Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the church. Interment will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Englewood Cemetery, 1804 E. Ohio St, Clinton, MO, 64735. Memorials can be made to Calvary Baptist Building Fund or Calvary Baptist Missions. Memories of Larry and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.
Larry was raised on farm near Adrian, MO. He graduated from Adrain High School in 1963 where he was very active in sports, lettering in football, basketball, and track. He was given the Most Outstanding Athlete and Best All-around Athlete award of his senior class. In addition to sports, he was FFA chapter president, Star chapter farmer, and State Farmer.
He graduated with a B.S, in Agriculture from Central Missouri State in Warrensburg, MO. While in college he was active in track, as a distance runner and in cross country. He lettered in both sports. Along with a college coach, they started the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on the Warrensburg campus. He was very active in the Baptist Student Union work holding the office director of evangelism and president. Larry also attended Midwestern Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, MO.
Throughout his ministry, Larry has held may associational offices including chairman of stewardship, BSU personnel committees, and moderator.
In the last 2 months of college, he met and then married Kathleen (Kathy) Reed. They were married on May 20, 1972. To this union was born one son, Larry Matthew Neil.
Larry was saved at home at the age of 9 and baptized and became a member of Burdette Baptist Church. He was ordained into the ministry August 23, 1970, by Calvary Baptist Church, Independence, MO.
Since God called him into the ministry, he has served in the following churches: Calvary Baptist Church, Independence, MO as Youth Director; Finey Baptist, Deepwater, MO; First Baptist Church, Chilhowee, MO; Crowder Jr College BSU Director, Neosho, MO; Sweetwater Baptist Church, Neosho, MO; Six Mile Baptist Church, Independence, MO; First Baptist Church, Lockwood, MO; Harmony Baptist Church, Rogersville MO; and Calvary Baptist Church Odessa, MO. At the time of his death, he was interim pastor at Concord Baptist Church, Bates City, MO.
Larry will be remembered for his love of fishing with family and friends and religiously watching the Missouri Tigers football and basketball teams along with the Chiefs and Royals.
Larry is survived by his wife, Kathy, of the home; son, Larry Matthew Neil of Denver, CO; two brothers, Bill (Peggy) Neil of Rolla, MO, Brett (Linda) Neil of Bixby, OK; five sisters, Donna Shelton of Clinton, MO, Deanna Leonard of Deepwater, MO, Janice Mayfield of Kansas City, MO, Debby (Tim) Enos of Adrian, MO; Rose (Ron) Mangels of Roach, MO; sister-in-law, Judy Reed of Sedalia, MO; brothers and sisters-in-law, Steve (Darlene) Reed of Richmond, KS, John (Debby) Reed of Harleysville, PA, Melissa (John) Austin of Arma, KS; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews. Larry was a very devoted, loving husband and father. Larry was proceeded in death by his parents, Lavern and Evelyn Neil; 2 stepfathers, Robert Gibb, and Shorty Anstine; a sister, and eight brothers-in-law. Even more he was totally dedicated and committed to serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For him, "to live is Christ but to die is gain".