Larry Lee Sykes, 81 of Hurdland, MO passed away peacefully in Overland Park, Kansas on December 21, 2024.
Born to Chester Lee and Bessie “Eveline” Strait Sykes on May 16, 1943 in Fairfield, IA. He was proceeded in death by his parents and one brother, Dennis Sykes.
Survived by wife, Kay Fowler Sykes of the home. Daughter Sherry Mitchell of Elko, NV; Daughter Michele Schilling (Joe) of Kirksville, MO; Daughter Nikki Sykes (Matt) of Overland Park, KS, Son Jerry Harvey (Aniece) of Murfreesboro, TN, and Daughter Sheila Walker (Chris) of Quincy, IL. He was the proud grandpa of 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother Marty Sykes (Brenda) of Sebetha, KS.
After graduating from Hurdland High School Larry attended the Moler Barber College in Kansas City, Missouri. He returned to the Hurdland area where he cut hair. In 1972 Larry joined Ironworkers Local #577 out of Burlington Iowa. He worked on many jobs and was most proud of his work on the Quincy bridge. He retired at age 55.
Larry enjoyed life to the fullest. He spent many hours hunting, fishing for crappie, and watching his grandchildren play sports.
Larry enjoyed coaching his kids and their friend’s basketball at Hurdland Elementary School. He spent countless hours coaching, hosting tournaments, and traveling with a car full of kids to local tournaments. He loved the sport and loved the kids even more.
Larry was most famous for the Wednesday and Thursday nights barber shop in his home. Many, many stories and laughs filled the room week after week. Many came for the stories when they didn’t even need a haircut. Larry knew no stranger and could find a friend everywhere he went. Larry was a member of the Sabbath Home Methodist Church in Brashear Missouri until it closed, a member of Colony Masonic Lodge # 168 A.F. & A.M. and a member of the El Kadir Shrine club in Kirksville, MO.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 4th, 2025, in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Masonic services will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:15 a.m. in the Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to the Knox County Nursing Home. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.
On line condolences may be left at www.hudsonrimerfh.com