Larry Gene Johnson, age 67, passed away on March 13th 2017 surrounded by his family.

Larry was born in St Louis, Missouri on December 17th 1949. He graduated from Berkeley High School in 1967 and enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduation and served as an aircraft mechanic.

He is survived by his first born daughter, McKenzie (Ron Robinson; Queen Creek AZ), wife Patti (Meesey) of 37 years and their 3 children, Kori (Eric Stechmesser; Columbia IL), Megan (Chris Casciaro; St. Louis, MO) Mark (Jess Long; St. Louis, MO) and 6 grandchildren, Jordan, Kaci, Josh, Marli, Ryien and Crew.

After his military service and prior to retirement, Larry worked many years in the Foodservice & Hospitality industry.

His children Kori, Megan and Mark attended St. George Parish grade school and later, Bishop DuBourg High School. With all three children very active in sports, Larry and Patti both, became very involved and spent a great deal of their time in parish activities, coaching and keeping up with the often overlapping game schedules.

In 2008, with their kids grown and on their own, Larry and Patti left the city life behind and built a home down in the Ozark hills of Arcadia Valley. Larry traded his postage stamp size zoysia-lawn on Germania, for thirty acres of switchgrass and shasta daisies just outside his front door. He quickly mastered riding mower repair and maintenance, tinkering his way through a fleet of rescued machines, that he would come to rely on . Spring, summer and fall, Larry lived to keep his field of dreams beautifully trimmed, and always looking sharp. Never a chore, but rather, a most satisfying pleasure he looked forward to. He had fallen head over heels for this new obsession. Rain was always welcomed because with it came new grass and more hours doing what he loved.

Larry was easy to know and had a smile for everyone. He made new friendships wherever he was. An early riser, the Steak ‘n Shake on Germania was the gathering place for Larry’s breakfast bunch of city friends. Most mornings it was coffee, diet Coke and conversation with his table mates. His new life in the valley was no different. The Pilot Knob McDonald’s would become his new favorite place to be for this morning ritual – rain or shine. Catching up and keeping tabs on old friends and some new ones. Being a “McRegular” felt natural and familiar… it felt like home.

We’ll miss your sense of humor and your great beautiful smile! See you later Larry.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Ronald McDonald House Charities; St. Louis

rmhcstl.com

A memorial will be held

Friday March 24, 2017

10am – 12pm

St. Louis Cremation

2135 Chouteau Ave

St. Louis, MO 63103

Leaving at 12:00pm for military honors and burial at Jefferson Barracks

And on Saturday, March 25, 2017; 12pm – 3pm

St. Marie Du Lac Catholic Church parish hall

350 S. Main St.

Ironton, MO 63650