May 16, 1942 ~ June 20, 2020
Larry Glenn Vassmer, 78, entered heaven on Saturday, June 20, 2020. Larry loved Jesus, his family, and farming on the Missouri Century Farm his family has worked for over one hundred years. He could frequently be found sporting his well-worn work overalls, or a white Stetson and cowboy boots. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and teaching his grandchildren how to play countless card games. He was a loyal employee of Grain Systems Incorporated for 26 years and retired in 2008.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Pauline Vassmer.
Larry is survived by his wife, Carol Vassmer, who he married on August 3, 1969; daughters, Shaun Sullivan (John Sullivan), Shelley Jo Vassmer, and Lisa Bryant (Troy Bryant); as well as grandchildren, Hailee Arnold (John Arnold), Hannah Murphy, and Ethan Bryant; and great-grandchildren, Scarlett Arnold and Henry Arnold; and his sister, Linda Irons (Tina/Lance Lamley and Terri Irons).
Larry lived in Excelsior Springs, Mo., his entire life, except for the two years that he was in the Army.
Larry enjoyed spending time at Lake Viking. He taught many a friend and family member how to water ski. Countless summer days were spent at the lake with his family and friends.
Larry was greatly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Larry, donations may be made in his name to The American Heart Association or your favorite charity.
Larry will lie in state at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Spring, Mo., from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2020. There will be a private burial for the immediate family only on Thursday.
Our Sincere Condolences
Praying for your families during this time of great loss.
Barb Tidwell
We are so saddened by Larry’s passing. We pray for Carol and daughters and family’s to help each of you through these sad times. You all know how much we loved our life long friend and spending time with him and Carol. We have so many fond memories and know your families are based on this and his sweet kind nature. He will be missed always. Love this family so much♥️♥️♥️
Don and Donna Harris
We are so sorry for the loss of Larry. He was a great man, and will be truly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this time.
Deepest Sympathies,
Sam and Jewell Swofford
Teresa and Andrew Lowry
Lorena and Bill Brauer
Cynthia and Michael Tonkinson
Sammy and Michelle Swofford
We are so sorry to read about Larry’s passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Carol, and all your family.
Sincerely, Dick & Sharon (Corky) Craven
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Larry maybe gone but will remain in your hearts and minds forever!!
Love you,
Roseanna Dillon
On behalf of the ESHS Class of 1960, our sincere condolences to his wife, family and loved ones.
Jim Gleason
Larry and I worked together for nearly 20 years. We often met in Branson, Mo for a few days of shows fun and stories. We have many wonderful memories and he will be greatly missed.
With deepest sympathy,
Roy & Shirley Truax
Assumption, IL
So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. May memories of his love of family sustain you at this time. We didn’t really get to know your father, but he must have been a remarkable man to have helped raise such beautiful daughters. We will keep the family in our prayers.
Terry and Marie Verren
I always enjoyed traveling with Larry. His wisdom and humorous stories would always brighten up a busy day. He was one of my mentors while working at GSI. Both he and Carol were a joy to be with during conventions and DM gatherings. Best wishes and prayers to the family.
Brian Stahl
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Larry was one of the best men I have ever known. I got really close to Larry over the last 15 yrs or so baling hay for him, my favorite part was getting done and I would just lean up against the tire of his old Allis where he sat and listen to story after story from his trips qith GSI, ro his army days, to his experiences on the farm. He had a big heart and helped me in several ways growing up him. R.I.P. Larry. I will miss you very much.
Roy Sams Jr.
I’m so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I’ll always remember the fun times that he and Carol shared with my parents and the sweet, gentle soul that I remember him by. His grin could make you smile always. May God watch over all of you. Much love.
CaraSue (Lawrence) Hall
Sorry to hear of Larry’s passing.
I enjoyed working with Larry at GSI, all 26 years!
Wayne Jordan
I first met Larry at Columbian Steel Tank Co.,Kansas City, Mo. in 1966, he was in inside customer sales and order processing. Being a new employee, he was instrumental in acquainting me with all the product lines that Columbian manufactured. We worked inside sales for 3 years and became very close friends Larry was drafted into US Army and served 2 years some abroad, returned to Columbian. I became a District Sales Mgr. and traveled the Southern territory, where Larry helped coordinate sales from K C office. At this point, we became true hunting buddy’s. We hunted quail, doves, geese, deer and wild turkeys with enthusiasm and success, just ask Carol, she was supportive. Are work required frequent travel to job sites, dealer calls and grain equipment conventions where Columbian had displays. We worked those together, most of the attendees would walk up to Larry first for product information. He had a “John Wayne” persona. I had to get use to it. A great story teller and a good shot. He was fun to work/hunt with and be around. One could depend on what he knew and what he said about everything from grain tank to calling a wild turkey gobbler. He is my best and most trusted friend, I already miss him and never forget him.
Mike Pate (Elaine)
Columbia, Missouri
So sad to hear of Larry’s passing. Just spoke to him this last week. Larry and I have know each Other over 44 years working with him at Columbian steel tank and then later as partners with read steel tank. All I can say is he was the best friend you could ever have A gentle giant. I will miss him dearly and will never forget his friendship. Rest In Peace.
Jim O’Riley
I am so proud to have had the opportunity to work with Larry for most of his 20+ years at GSI. Larry always impressed me with his gentle giant persona. Larry was very humble, and that is one of many reasons why he was so loved by everyone that he came in contact with.
My wife Cathy and I would host dinners for new/or important GSI accounts at our home. Larry was at our home a lot, and those great memories still remain so many years later.
Larry was blessed to spend the last 12 years getting back to his family farming roots, and more importantly taking the time to be spend with his family. I’ll always remember Larry in the cowboy boots and big white Stetson. Big guy with a big heart.
Larry was a role model in my life, and to 1,000’s of others that were blessed to have met him.
Gods Speed to Larry and his family.
Craig Sloan
Very sorry to hear about your loss of Larry. He was a great guy that cared about others and was a great help to us here at W.B. Young Company for many years. I am sure he will be missed by all.
Randy Sleeper
So sorry for your loss, Larry will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and family.
Joe & Kathy Goode
I came to GSI in 1991. Larry was someone I already knew by reputation as one of the top experts in our business. That proved true as he mentored me into the grain bin side of the storage business. Many here have spoken of Larry’s story telling ability. One I loved though came from Carol. It was when Larry & her along with their girls and some of the girl’s friends were eating in a local McDonald’s. One of his daughters told her friend that her Daddy was a Big man who takes care of everyone around him so they could get whatever they wanted to eat. Larry always lived up to that description for me. My wife Joyce and I always looked forward to District Manager and Dealer meetings as we knew we would be with those we felt were part of our family and Larry and Carol were always a big part of that feeling. Joyce and I will miss him for all the reasons expressed on this page. One of the great men in our industry and life has passed, but will not be forgotten.
Gary & Joyce Woodruff
