LARRY BESHEARS
LARRY BESHEARS
Larry Wayne Beshears, born August 24, 1941 in Vandalia, MO passed away at his home on Friday, December 11, 2020, at the age of 79, surrounded by his wife and children.
A 1957 graduate from Van-Far High School, Larry was a member of the band and an outstanding athlete. He briefly attended the University of Missouri – Columbia on a track scholarship and then joined the USAF as a Radar Specialist and served from 1960 – 1964. He received his BS in Education and his Masters degree from Truman State University in Kirksville, he completed his education at Central Missouri State in Warrensburg in 1977.
Larry began his career in Missouri Education as a Coach in Wellsville, then a coach and teacher at Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City. He was an Assistant Principal in La Plata and Warrenton, Principal at Knox County High School in Edina, Superintendent in Silex, Delta, Russellville, and retired from Van-Far in June 2004. He believed that all children should be treated equally and devoted his time to his students through academics, athletics, and as a senior sponsor. Three years after his retirement and missing the interaction with students he decided to become a teacher in the Adult Education Program at the WERDCC in Vandalia and retired after five years.
A loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather he enjoyed spending time with his family and his devoted dog, Molly. Larry’s hobbies were horse shows, car shows, his 1957 Chevy, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals, Mizzou Tigers, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Paul W. Beshears; his mother, Marjorie R. Beshears; and siblings, Diana R. Beshears, Ronald E. Beshears; and daughter-in-law, Bonita M. Beshears.
Larry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Malinda Beshears; his children, Venus Andrews and husband Donnie, Dena Laske and husband Brian, Greg Beshears, Nicole Mitchell and husband Corey; grandchildren, Amber Mitchell, Jillian Gamel, Andrew Laske, Hunter Drury, Alexis Beshears, Luke Beshears, C.J. Mitchell; and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Wolfinbarger and husband Jimmie; brother, Bill Beshears and wife Melinda; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The interment service will be held at a later date at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO with military honors. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to Pike County Hospice.
