Larry Junior Downen, 65, of Independence, Missouri, formerly of Novinger, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Friday (December 2, 2011) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The son of Melvin James and Hazel Louise (Ray) Downen, he was born June 26, 1946 in Novinger, Missouri.

Larry was raised in the Novinger area and graduated from Adair County R-I High School in Novinger, with the Class of 1964. He retired from Armco Steel and was presently employed with Brock Grain Systems in Independence.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Barbara Lewin and two brothers, James that died in infancy and William “Bill” Downen.

Larry is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Gary Grubrich of Novinger, MO; six nieces, Michele Sonnenberg and husband Mike, Leslie Mehrlich and Jamie, Janine Owen and husband Ed, Lisa Lowe and husband Darin, Angela Gibbs and Tami Lee; and five great nieces and two great nephews.

Larry was a very devoted brother and uncle and enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, mushroom hunting, and following MU, KC Chiefs and Royals sports.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday (December 6, 2011) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Alan Coonfield officiating. Interment will follow the service at Green Castle Cemetery in Green Castle, Missouri.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Tuesday in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Larry Mitchell, Jack Pickett, Darin Love, Hunter Love, Chuck Snyder and Bill Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Green Castle Cemetery. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.