Lawrence Kirby "Larry" Daniel, age 82, of Springfield, Missouri passed away October 31, 2022 at Mercy Hospital following a long battle with various health issues.

Larry was born the youngest of three children to Raymond E. "Cotton" Daniel and Maydelle Kirby Daniel in their home in Mount Vernon, Missouri. As a young child, he enjoyed his small community life growing up surrounded by his siblings, uncles, aunts and numerous cousins. His family moved to Springfield in 1950 where Larry attended Rountree Elementary School, Jarrett Junior High School and graduated from Parkview High School, Class of 1958.

He attended Southwest Missouri State College, now known as Missouri State University. He graduated from Harvard University's School of Business Owner President Management Program in 1986.

His lifelong career in the trucking industry began after high school when he joined the family business, "The Daniel Company of Springfield", where he served in all capacities: salesman, mechanic, driver, President and CEO until retirement in 2011.

He was married to his wife, Marilyn, for 48 years. After retirement they had 10 years of travel in their Roadtrek Motor Home where Larry enjoyed his passion for photography, nature and wildlife.

During his life, Larry pursued many interests, served on numerous boards, and contributed to many civic and charitable causes. He received several recognitions and awards, following are the most notable:

The Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies in the U.S. 1982

Commercial Carrier Journal Innovators Award  2007

Bronze and Silver Medallion Recipient Missouri State University Founder's Club

Board of Directors Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce 1986, 1987, 1988

Chairman of The Missouri Trucking Association 1995

Larry was an avid golfer, a technology "geek", and with his wife, Marilyn, bred, raised, and showed horses.  He helped to start and promote the Missouri State University's Equine program. Along with his wife, he was also a REALTOR with Murney Associates.

Larry was loyal to his family and friends. Whatever he pursued, he put his whole heart into it.  Larry was a man of few words, but he was "a man of his word."

He was preceded in death by his parents, R.E. and Maydelle Daniel, and his sister, Rayma Lee Burger.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Ruth Daniel; his brother, Ronald E. Daniel (wife Barbara), both of Springfield, Missouri and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, November 18, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole, Springfield, MO 65804.

A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Highland Springs Country Club, 5400 Highland Springs Blvd., Springfield, MO 65809.

RSVPs are required for the service at Highland Springs and must be emailed by November 17 to ozarksphotos@me.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

National Park Foundation

1500 K Street NW Suite 700

Washington, D.C., 20005