Larry Wallis Potter was called to his heavenly home on July 25, 2024.  Larry was born in Polk County, Missouri, October 26, 1942 to Wallis Jefferson Potter and Phyllis (Apperson) Potter of Pleasant Hope, Missouri, who preceded him in death.

Larry was a 1960 graduate of Central High School. Larry would soon meet the love of his life, Mary Ellen Osborn, while working with her sister at MFA and they married June 2, 1961 and just celebrated 63 years together.

Larry was a proud father of two daughters, Kathy Lynn Potter Gallegos and Tammy Lynn Potter Antrim (Troy), a devoted grandfather of 4 grandchildren, Christopher Tyler Nelson (Kim), Ashlie Nicholle Nelson Crosby (Scott), Katelyn Nicole Antrim Gregory (Tim), Stephanie Annamarie Antrim; and 2 great-granddaughters, Sloan Collette Crosby and Fallon Layne Crosby.

After a lengthy career as a sales manager and center of the plate buyer in the food service industry he retired from Banta Foods in 2004 and retired to Rice Camp at Table Rock Lake, they also spent winters in Texas for 10 years before returning to Springfield and becoming actively involved with the Southside Senior Center as volunteers.

Larry was a proud Mason, having joined the Gate of the Temple Lodge 422 on December 29, 1969, the Scottish Rite June 6, 1970, and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine June 1, 1974.

Memorial services with Masonic Rites will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, with visitation from 1-2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on his behalf to the Southside Senior Center, 2215 South Fremont, Springfield, MO 65804 or to the Shriners Children's St. Louis Hospital, Attn: Office of Philanthropy, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 or online at LovetotheRescue.org.

The family would like to thank Mercy Hospital nurses and doctors for the exceptional care in their journey the last 6 weeks. Especially 3E ICU for your compassionate care and Dr. Donald Myears for 26 years of exceptional care and friendship.