Larry Carter

Fayette resident, Larry Carter, 76, passed away suddenly at his residence on March 1, 2026.

Larry Joe Carter was born in Forester, Scott County, AR on May 1, 1949.  He was one of five children born to the late Joe Roy and Eunice Pauline (Chambers) Carter.  Larry attended Washington High School in Kansas City, KS, later earning his GED.  On July 27, 1973, Larry married Victoria Ann Blanz.  They enjoyed over 26 years of marriage.  Victoria preceded him in death on January 14, 2000. 

Larry earned his HVAC certification through tech school programs, which launched a long and successful career as a service technician in the HVAC industry.  Larry worked for Burks Service Co. out of Columbia, MO for over 20 years, retiring in 2020.  For the past 24 years, Larry has cherished time spent with his significant other, Melissa Jones.  Larry loved classic cars and was a longtime member of the Mid MO Cruisers.  He attended and participated in numerous car shows throughout the years.

Survivors include his significant other, Melissa Jones; daughter, Stephanie (Matt) Magill; son, Clinton (Destinee) Jones; son-in-law, Ron Keopke; seven grandchildren, Josh (Rachel) Keopke, Amanda (Jacob) Brown, Aaron Magill, Anna (Isaiah) Ried, Katelynn Keopke, and Knox and Drew Jones; five great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Betty Lou Bostwick and Royce Wayne Carter.  In addition to his wife and parents, Larry was preceded in death by two daughters, Rebecca Keopke and Shauna Hayes, and two siblings, Ruthie Marie Greene and Richard Alvin Carter.

A funeral service celebrating Larry’s life will be 2 PM, Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, MO, with Rev. Mike Jackman officiating.  Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service starting at noon.  Burial will follow services at Walnut Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Fayette Senior Center or Walnut Ridge Cemetery, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 7 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.

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