Lawrence R. (Larry) Bigelow, 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, of cancer in the home of his sister, Karen Fritchey, in Joplin, Mo. Three of his sisters and a niece were by his side.
He was born Sept. 8, 1940, at home on a farm near Moran, where he grew up with his six siblings. He began his education in a one-room school (Milwood), later going to Moran where he graduated with the Class of 1958. He was a good student and athlete, lettering in track, football and basketball.
Lawrence proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge.
He loved hunting quail and pheasant, especially with his brothers-in-law. He also liked to fish and would gladly share his hunting and fishing experiences with just about anyone.
Prior to his last month in Joplin, Lawrence had lived in Oklahoma City the past 50 years where he worked in securities and investments. He retired in September 2015.
His family and friends enjoyed his quick wit and dry sense of humor and sometimes his embellishments.
Lawrence is survived by a daughter, Janice (Scott) Craig; two grandchildren, Amanda and Austin Craig, Broomfield, Colo.; five sisters, Melva Lincicome, El Dorado; Wanda Sell, Frontenac; June (Elton) Green, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Karen Fritchey and Bonnie Weast, both of Joplin, Mo.; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Olive and Jess Bigelow; a brother, Deen; and special friend, Kay Johnson.
Lawrence donated his body to medical science. A memorial service with military honors will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Senior Center in El Dorado. Memorial contributions, per Lawrences request, may be made to America Legion Post 13, P.O. Box 2883, Joplin, Mo., 64803.