Obituary – Larry K. Van Deusen
Larry Keith Van Deusen, 83, passed away on September 23, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him dearly.
Larry was born on January 30, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to George William Van Deusen and Thelma Bailie. He grew up in Texas County and spent most of his life in Licking, Missouri—a community that became an important part of who he was and a place he was proud to call home.
As a young man, Larry answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. His military service took him from Fort Riley, Kansas, to Korea and Germany. He proudly served until his honorable discharge on October 30, 1963. His time in the Army was just one example of the sense of duty, commitment, and service that would remain a part of Larry throughout his life.
While stationed at Fort Riley, Larry married Myrna Kissiar on June 26, 1963. Together, they began a life and family that would become one of Larry’s greatest blessings. They were blessed with two children, Deena Rachele and Anthony Keith.
Larry professed his belief in the Lord at an early age, and his faith remained an important foundation throughout his life. He served faithfully as a deacon for many years, giving of his time and serving others through the church. His faith was not simply something he spoke about—it was something he carried with him throughout his life.
For many years, Larry worked for Intercounty Electric Cooperative, where he remained until his retirement. He believed in being involved in the community he called home and served on the Licking School Board. He was also a devoted follower of Licking High School sports. Supporting the Licking Wildcats was something he truly enjoyed, and throughout the years, there were undoubtedly many games, victories, losses, and conversations about the teams he faithfully followed.
When Larry wasn’t working, serving his community, or following Licking sports, some of his favorite times were spent outdoors hunting and, most importantly, surrounded by family. As the years passed and his family grew, so did the number of people who knew him not only as Larry, but as Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa.
Those were titles that carried a special meaning.
Larry was blessed to see his family grow through several generations, and the memories made with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will now become part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, George William Van Deusen and Thelma Bailie; and his siblings, Shirley Umfleet, Georgia Maxwell, Sandy Floyd, Billy Van Deusen, and Robin Ringstadd.
He leaves behind his wife, Myrna Van Deusen; daughter, DeeDee Hunter and husband Jeff, of Warsaw, Missouri; his son, Anthony Van Deusen and wife Michelle, of Alabama; his grandchildren, Austin Hunter and wife Megan, Ciara Grigg and husband Wade, Garrett Hunter and fiancée Apryl Zeno, Ella Van Deusen, and Elias Van Deusen; and his great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Emmett, Adiya, Gracey and Beau.
He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Bailie and wife Judy; his sister, Blanche “Lady” Archer; along with numerous extended family members and dear friends who were fortunate enough to share in his life.
It is difficult to sum up 83 years of a person’s life in just a few paragraphs. Larry’s life was made up of so much more than dates and accomplishments. It was found in the family he loved, the faith he carried, the country he served, the work he took pride in, the community he supported, the hunting trips he enjoyed, the ballgames he followed, and the countless ordinary moments that now mean more than ever.
Those who loved Larry will remember him in their own special ways. They will remember the stories, the laughter, the traditions, the lessons, and the moments spent together. While his absence leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled, the life he lived and the memories he created will continue through the generations of his family.
Larry will be tremendously missed, deeply loved, and forever remembered.
A visitation for Larry will take place Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fox Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at Fox Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Boone Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Licking Christian Church or Boone Creek Cemetery, in loving memory of Larry. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfh.net. Arrangements are entrusted to Fox Funeral Home.
