Larry Wallace Howerton, age 80, resident of Wheeling, Missouri and former resident of Mooresville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026. He was born the son of Perry Wallace and Jessica Ruth (Harper) Howerton, on December 5, 1945, in Chillicothe, Missouri, Larry lived a life full of love, dedication, and service. Larry was united in marriage to Karen Kay Waterman on April 20, 1972 in Chillicothe, Missouri. She preceded him in death on February 1, 2022.

Larry served his country honorably in the United States Navy, a testament to his spirit of dedication and service. Professionally, he worked for John Graves Food and as a custodian for the Chillicothe School District in Chillicothe, Missouri. His industrious nature also led him to work for MidWest Gloves and in the roofing industry. He was a member of the Mooresville Christian Church, and loved the Lord with his whole heart. Larry had a deep love for music. He was a talented musician who taught himself to read music and play any string instrument, he could also write any kind of music, sharing his passion with all who knew him. An avid reader with a keen interest in history, Larry could often be found with a book in hand, eager to learn and explore the past. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Larry is survived by his two devoted daughters, Tabby Searcy and her husband Jeremy of Chillicothe, Missouri, and Tracy Lynn Cruse and her husband John of Wheeling, Missouri. He was the proud grandfather of 17 grandchildren and was blessed with 20 great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by four sisters, Sharon Schneiter of Mooresville, Missouri, Connie Gaunt of Chillicothe, Missouri, Linda Beaman of Chillicothe, Missouri and Lynnette Barron of Breckenridge, Missouri; his aunt, Charlotte Mann of Mooresville, Missouri, and his Friday Night Mooresville Post Office people. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen Kay Howerton, his parents, Perry Wallace Howerton and Jessie Howerton, and several cherished family members, including his grandchildren Megan Marie Ishmael, Auston Perry Searcy, Triston Samuel Searcy, and Star Lynn Cruse. Larry was also preceded in death by his sons, Charles Ira Howerton and Kelly Mack Howerton of California; a sister, Phyllis Howerton; and his dear friend and brother, Larry Mann.

Funeral services will be held at Mooresville Christian Church, Mooresville, Missouri, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. A visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Burial will be held at the Mooresville Cemetery, Mooresville, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Mooresville Christian Church and/or Chillicothe Foster Adopt Connect and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes. com

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.