Larry Joe Roland, age 82, of Lamar, Missouri passed away February 22, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
Larry was born December 1, 1939 in Jerico Springs, Missouri to Charley Jackson Roland and Maxine Fontella Bratton. Larry was raised on a farm Northwest of Milford. Larry graduated from Sheldon High School in the class of 1957 and Rolla School of Engineering in 1961. On February 18, 1961, Larry married Sheila Fae Thompson in Lamar, MO.
Larry was an engineer for Lawn-Boy, O'Sullivan Industries, Finley Engineering and Thorco Industries where he retired. He also owned two different full service automotive stations in the late 70's and early 80's, where he could enjoy his love for old cars and helping people get back on the road. He restored a red 1966 Mustang convertible to a beautiful white and was a member of the Shriner Mustang Club traveling to attend parades and car shows. He enjoyed playing golf with friends and family. His passion for golf grew into a profession and he started his own golf club business, Mirror Image Golf, where he could help people get fit correctly for custom made golf clubs and became a Professional Club Maker. He made his grandson Kip his first set of clubs. Larry loved to fish and was often at Roaring River for opening day of trout season, netting the "big ones" for everyone else. He loved to hunt quail, pheasant, and deer and absolutely loved his hunting dogs. Larry also enjoyed bowling, card club and traveling with Sheila. He enjoyed coaching youth basketball and baseball teams. Larry was a Mason, member of the Lamar United Methodist Church, Barton County Shriners, Barton County Bassmaster's, Professional Club Makers Society, Elks Lodge, Metro, Lamar Country Club, Optimist Club and Barton County Chamber of Commerce.
Survivors include one daughter, Eva Roland Buchanan, one son, Curt and his wife Susan Roland, all of Lamar. Grandchildren; Kelli and her husband Saula Niqara of Arlington, Virginia, Ashley and her husband Roger Payne Jr. of St. James, Missouri, Kailey and her husband Brenyn Jungmann of Belton, Missouri, Kenna and her husband Jacob Russell of Lenexa, Kansas, Kip Roland and his wife Lauren of Bentonville, Arkansas, two great grandchildren; Roger "RJ" Payne III and Maralynne Payne, nieces; Dana Carver and Elizabeth Armstrong.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife Sheila, his parents, one sister; Janice Armstrong, one nephew; Bradley Armstrong and a son-in-law; Tim Buchanan.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Daniel Funeral Home with burial to follow in Lake Cemetery in Lamar.
The family will receive friends starting at 9:30 a.m., until service time at the funeral home.
Contributions are suggested and made payable to the Lamar Fishing Team in care of Daniel Funeral Home.
Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com
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