Larry Ray DeOrnellis, age 73, ended his life’s journey and entered his eternal life on November 15, 2016 at 11:06 PM.  Larry was born May 17, 1943 to Carrie (Blaire) and Leslie DeOrnellis.   He was born into a family of five step-sisters, Mamie, Nell, Florence, Dorothy, and “Babe” and one brother, Ralph.  Two years later, Larry became a big brother forcing him to share the spoiling love of his sisters with a baby brother, Richard.  Sadness came into his life at age 4, when two days before Christmas, Larry’s father died.   Not only did Larry’s mother, Carrie bravely provide for her family, but she instilled a Godly example and a heritage of Holiness.

On June 23, 1962 Larry married his best friend, Jan Durk.  They were blessed with four sons, and now 54 years later, three daughters-in-law, nine grandchildren, two in-law grandsons and two great-grandchildren.  Son, Scott, and wife, Marlene, and grandson Cody; Son, Shawn, and wife, Nancy, and granddaughters: Ashley, and husband, Kalan, and great-grandbabies, Hunter and Harper; granddaughter, Autumn and husband, Nathan; Son, Steve, and grandsons Steven and Matthew; and Son, David, and wife Niki, and grandchildren, Drake, Blythe, Tristen, and Rhett.

 On November 20, 1964 during a revival with W. L. Gates, Larry and Jan gave their hearts to Jesus Christ, and committed to following Him.   Soon after Larry acknowledged his call to preach; he enrolled in Kansas City College and Bible School to study for the ministry.  Jan and Larry lived in a small trailer on the KCCBS campus, from 1968 to 1970.  While Larry busied himself with study, Jan exercised her cooking and baking skills, making their trailer a popular place of socialization.  This was a beautiful start of forty-two years of pastoring churches:  Moulton, IA, Albia, IA, Colorado Springs, CO, St. Charles, MO, Pittsburg, KS, North Kansas City, MO, and again in Pittsburg, KS. Many precious friends, and memories have been made throughout Larry’s tenure of ministry.  Larry retired from pastoring in May 2013, however, he served as a supply pastor in the area, when ever needed.  Larry was also a board member of Kansas Christian College.

Since May 2013 Larry and Jan made their home in Columbia, MO in the retirement village of Leisurely Oaks.  They thoroughly enjoyed becoming involved in their retirement community and have appreciated the support of their neighbors throughout Larry’s cancer journey.

 Larry will be long remembered for his love of visiting with family and friends while sharing a good meal.  He boasted that his wife Jan was the best cook and baker and loved to share her amazing food.  He always had a memory to share and had a vibrant, contagious laugh. Those close to Larry knew that he lived by two black books, the Bible and his appointment calendar that he carried in his left front pocket.

Springtime may have been his favorite time of the year as he enjoyed planting a big garden of green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green peppers.  The process of growing, picking, and being helpful with Jan’s canning of his garden goods lasted into the fall months. 

Grieving the loss of Larry alongside his immediate family members is his sister Dorothy Wilkerson of Paris, MO, and a host of extended family and friends.  While Larry will be sorely missed, we have the hope of meeting again in Heaven, where “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” Revelation 21:4 (NKJV).

Larry was passionate towards Kansas Christian College and has asked that if a Memorial donation would like to be made that it be given to Kansas Christian College at www.kansaschristian.edu

Visitation will be at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel on November 25, 2016 from 6 to 8:30 PM.  Memorial service will be at Rockbridge Church of God Holiness on November 26, 2016 at 11:00.  

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