Alan Don Larimer

Alan Don Larimer Obituary

December 20, 1949 – July 26, 2026
 
Alan Don Larimer was born on December 20, 1949, in Storm Lake, Iowa. Much of his childhood was spent living in different parts of the country. His parents, Don and Crystal Larimer, along with his two siblings, Bruce and Diane, travelled from town to town to support the family construction business. Eventually, the Larimers would land in St. Louis, Missouri. Alan graduated from high school at Riverview Gardens and would later serve in the United States Navy.
 
While in the Navy, Alan served as a Communications Technician. At one point, he served aboard the USS Providence while participating in combat operations off the coast of North and South Vietnam. While in the Navy, Alan received the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the US Navy Good Conduct Award. However, his greatest prize would be far more meaningful. It was during this tour, while the providence was stationed at a Naval base in the Philippines, that he met his future wife, Teresita (“Tess”) Simbulan. Later, when it became clear that the Providence was leaving the Philippines, Alan requested a transfer to the Super Carrier, USS Kitty Hawk. He knew the Kitty Hawk was staying in the Philippines for a longer period of time. Giving him a chance to marry Tess - a true love story!
 
After Alan’s honorable discharge in 1974, he and Tess would begin building their lives together in St. Louis. In May of 1975, they had their son, Dennis. Alan would then dedicate his life to supporting his wife and son. He spent his entire career working for the United States Postal Service. While there he held just about every job you could imagine from janitor, to mail carrier, to clerk, and eventually Postal Police Officer. He worked hard and was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that Tess and Dennis were taken care of.  
 
After his 35-year career with the Postal Service, Alan and Tess began to enjoy retirement. They would eventually move to Columbia, Missouri where Dennis had already begun a career in broadcasting. Alan and Tess loved going on vacations and would routinely travel the country to experience new things. Alan continued his passion for personal health and fitness. As a younger man, he competed in the St. Louis Marathon multiple times. Even in his 70s, he could be seen running for miles and miles, every single day, rain or shine. He also loved going to the Wilson’s Fitness in Columbia where he would routinely lift weights alongside men that were half his age. In 2020, he became a Grandpa to Logan Larimer. Logan loved playing video games and Legos with his Grandpa Al.  
 
Alan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Tess Larimer, his son Dennis (Bryana) Larimer, his grandson Logan Larimer all of Columbia, MO, as well as two siblings: Bruce Larimer and Diane Hawkey, two nephews: Mike Larimer and David Hawkey all of St. Louis, MO, two nieces: Sarah Hawkey of Redding, CT, and Emily Pupillo of St. Louis, MO, and several cousins.
 
Alan exemplified the values of hard work, commitment, and most of all integrity. His legacy will live on through his community of friends and family that live out those same values every day.
 
A visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 12-2 p.m. at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel in Columbia, MO. A funeral honoring the life of Alan will follow immediately at 2 p.m. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery.  
 
Memorials are suggested to Boone County VFW Post 280, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202.
 
Online condolences and tributes may be shared with the family at www.bachyager.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alan Don Larimer, please visit our floral store.