Larry Mendenhall, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Lee's Summit Medical in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel in Clinton with visitation from 1:00-2:00 PM prior the service. Burial to follow in Drakes Chapel Cemetery in Clinton, Missouri. Memorial contributions can be made to the Family Love Fund or The Henry County Foster Parent Association and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Larry Edward Mendenhall was born on November 09, 1943 to Charles and Anna Mendenhall, and departed this earth on 11/20/2024. Larry graduated from Urich High School and married the love of his life in 1963, Carolyn Ann(Dalton) Mendenhall. To this union four children were born, Richard Edward, Ronald James, Renee LinAnn, and Ryan Dale. Over the years, their family grew, adding 6 more children through adoption: Randall Daquan, Michelle Rae, Krystle Rae'Anne, Robert Deon, Nevaeh Raelyn, and Robin Jolene.

Larry held several jobs throughout his lifetime, beginning with his days on the farm with his dad and brother, continuing through high school. He worked for awhile at Furniture City, owned his own carpet laying business, was Manager at Slugger's 66 gas station, and most recently worked at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, where he retired after over 15 years.

Larry was an avid Chiefs fan and fisherman while his health allowed. What Larry was most known for was his partnership with Carolyn in raising over 500 foster children over a span of a little over 50 years. They committed to each other at a young age to wanting to help children who needed a home, shelter, food, clothing, but most of all, a family. They devoted and sacrificed so much to be able to make a
difference in so many children's lives.

Larry was a true believer in Christ and showed that devotion throughout his everyday life. He was met at the Gates of Heaven by Jesus Himself, but also those preceding him in death, including his parents, Charles and Anna Mendenhall, his brother Harold Mendenhall, his son Rick Mendenhall, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.

Larry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Ann, children Ronnie(Jean), Renee(Larry), Ryan(Laura), Randy(Jocelynne), Michelle(Justin), Krystle(Dave), Robert, Nevaeh, and Robin. He is also survived by grandchildren Tanya Williams, Scott Anderson, Jordan Mendenhall, Ashley Brickle, Cory Garrison, Sarah Mendenhall, Jacob Mendenhall, Gabriel Pace, Kaitlyn Russell, Kaleb Russell, Bradley Phillips, Zach
Thornton, and Destiny Thornton. He is also survived by 8 great grandchildren.

Dr. Pat Findley will be pofficiating over the services. Special guest singer will be Randy Sheek, nephew of Larry and Carolyn. Pallbearers will include his grandsons Scott, Jordan, Cory, Jacob, Bradley, and Zach. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons Kaleb and Gabe, as well as Lonnie Carneal, Larry Mothersbaugh, Marty Kampe, and Johnny VanWinkle. Larry will be laid to rest next to Rick at Drake's Chapel Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.