Larry Joe Garven

Larry Joe Garven
March 22, 1950 - June 28, 2026

Larry Joe Garven, 76, formerly of Glasgow, Missouri, recently passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026 in Sapulpa, OK. Although he spent his final years in Oklahoma, Missouri was always home in his heart.

Born on March 22, 1950, in Boonville, Missouri, Larry was the son of Charles Eugene Garven and Jean Eleanor Meals Garven. He was raised on the family farm near Armstrong, Missouri, where he developed the strong work ethic, independent spirit, and love of the outdoors that would define his life.

Larry never met a job he wasn't willing to tackle. Throughout his life he worked as a farmer, heavy equipment operator, horse trainer, bull rider, railroad worker, and long-haul truck driver. No matter the occupation, Larry took pride in honest work and believed in doing the job right. His hands were rarely still, and he was happiest when he was building, repairing, or creating something.

A true cowboy at heart, Larry loved riding horses and had a remarkable ability to break and train them. He was also a talented craftsman who enjoyed leatherworking, metal engraving, and making custom knives. Whether in the saddle or at his workbench, he found joy in creating something lasting with his own hands.

Larry was known for his ornery sense of humor, adventurous spirit, and willingness to try just about anything. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger and quickly became a friend to everyone he encountered. He enjoyed sharing stories, spending time with friends, and lived life on his own terms.

Above all, Larry treasured time with his family. His greatest pride was his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he affectionately called his "yayhoos." Every conversation eventually included the same heartfelt question: "How are the yayhoos doing?"

Larry is survived by his three children: Amanda Jo Garven; Charles Phillip Garven and his wife, Allyson Leigh Garven; and Alicia Janine Hillhouse and her husband, Dylan Hillhouse.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Breeanna Garven and her husband, Cody Holsworth; David Lee Chatham; Peyton Kole Chatham; Isaac Beatty Garven; Elliot Wade Garven; Hollyn Janine Shrum; Gracelyn Carroll Shrum; Waylon Michael Shrum; and Katelyn Rose Riggs.

Larry is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Keelie Karter Holsworth and Levi Tucker Holsworth, the children of Breeanna and Cody.

Larry is further survived by his siblings: Lyn Lester Garven and wife Becca; Linda Jean Garven; Gail Ann Garven Sharp Miller; and Mary Lea Garven Kloesel and husband Bill; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, laughter, and friendship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Eugene Garven and Jean Eleanor Meals Garven; his infant brother, Charles Garven; and his infant sister, Peggy Garven.

A graveside memorial service celebrating Larry's life will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Walnut Hill Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor a man whose life was defined by hard work, loyalty, craftsmanship, and an enduring love for those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes acts of kindness in Larry's memory or donations to a charity of your choice that supports veterans, agriculture, or equine welfare.

Larry's legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply, the friends who will forever cherish his stories, and the countless things he built with his own hands. His smile, his cowboy hat, his unwavering independence, and his love for his "yayhoos" will never be forgotten.

"I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck."

Forever loved, forever remembered.