Larry Dean Athon, 83, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023 at The Pines in Kirksville.

Born May 9, 1940 in Pure Air, Missouri, Larry was the son of the late Ernal Ross and Opal Lenora (Wiedenkofer) Athon. Larry was also preceded in death by five brothers, Everett, Kenneth, Ernall Lee, Donald, and Asa; three sisters, Velma Waddill, Evelyn Pettit, and Sharon Kay Snow; his granddaughter, Sarah Frances Athon, and his special friend of twenty-seven years, Beverly Sue Brewer. On May 3, 1958 in Kirksville, Missouri, Larry was united in marriage to Carol Frances Saner and to this union three sons were born.

Larry is survived by three sons, Doug (Debbie) Athon, Darrell Athon (Karen Skinner) all of Kirksville, MO, and David (Annmarie) Athon of Columbia, MO; seven grandchildren, Mike (Tiffany) Athon, Gretchen (Justin) Tilman, and Nick Athon all of Kirksville, MO, Racheal (Robin) Mills of GA, Alyssa (Landon) Pence of Kirksville, MO, Tyler (Taylor) Athon of Columbia, MO, and Jacob Athon of Columbia, MO; fourteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; brother-in-law, Larry (Susie) Snow of Novinger, MO; sister-in-law, Virginia Athon of Kirksville, MO; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Larry received his education in the Maple Grove rural one room school and Kirksville public schools. Larry began working for Joe Burdman Auto Parts in the late 50's and retired from O'Reilly's Auto Parts, in 2013 after fifty-five years in the business. He was an avid Cardinal fan and loved camping.

Larry was a member of the Kirksville Moose Lodge #1751 and member of New Hope Evangelical Church of Kirksville.

Larry's last fourteen months were spent at The Pines, where he enjoyed his neighbors and care staff. He especially loved his adopted nurse granddaughters, Heather and Sarah.

Public visitation will be held Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 10, 2023 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Darrell Draper officiating. Interment will follow the service at Ringo Point Cemetery near Green Castle, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be Mike Athon, Nick Athon, Reed Athon, Ben Athon, Lucas Athon, Tyler Athon, and Jacob Athon.

Memorial donations in memory of Larry may be made to Ringo Point Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.