Larry Jess Day

It is with heavy hearts yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Larry Jess Day, 86, of Springfield, MO, who departed this world peacefully on April 27, 2026. Born on March 11, 1940, in Springfield, Larry was the cherished son of Marshall Dewey Day and Clara Edith (Austin) Day. Larry's life was a tapestry of love, devotion, and service. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Wanda Lucille Stroud. Their union was a testament to unwavering commitment, exemplified by Larry's steadfast presence by Wanda's side during her extended hospital stay before her passing in 2008. Together, they built a family filled with warmth and laughter, blessing them with two beloved children, Kurtis Loyd and Caren Sue. In a beautiful turn of fate, Larry was reunited in 2018 with his son, John "Rudy" Rudolph, and embraced Rudy's family with open arms, grateful for the chance to be part of their lives. Larry's professional journey began with his service in the United States Army Reserve from 1962 to 1965, where he shared a platoon with his eldest brother, Lester, and was honorably discharged. He then pursued a career in industrial welding, working for the Paul Mueller Company and Precision Stainless. In 1998, he bravely faced and overcame a battle with Stage 3 Melanoma, with Wanda and his children steadfastly by his side. A man of faith, Larry was a devoted member of Grant Avenue Free Will Baptist Church, where he was baptized in 1998. His dedication to the church was evident in the time he spent maintaining its landscape and greeting fellow worshipers with his signature warmth and kindness. Larry's life was marked by an enduring commitment to helping others. He was a devoted son, tending to his mother's needs as she grew older, and a supportive father, always ready to lend a hand to his children. Whether it was mowing Kurtis' lawn, embarking on work trips together, or assisting Caren with home remodels, Larry's presence was a constant source of support and love. Despite the challenges of dementia later in life, Larry's gentle soul shone through. The staff and residents of the Ash Grove Healthcare Facility's Memory Care unit fondly recall his sweetness and his comforting presence. Larry's kindness was a balm to many, even in his final days. Larry was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife Wanda, seven brothers, Lester, Fletcher, Leonard (Ilene), Kenneth (Mary), Robert (Barbara), Bert, Ronald, and five sisters, Mildred (Oren) Andrews, Geraldine (Clarence) Willis, Ruth Peacock, Doris Altaffer, and Arletta (Gerald) Phelps. His in-laws, Lloyd and Cecile Stroud, Phillip Stroud, Oscar Stroud, and Connie (Stroud) Bauer, as well as numerous cherished nephews and nieces, also preceded him. He is survived by his children, Kurtis (Susan) Day, Caren (Brad) Tate, and Rudy (Lynnie) Rudolph; six treasured grandchildren, Jessica (Day) Reed, Brittney (Day) Miller, Mackenzie (Tate) Tranmer, Kaylee (Tate) Cirillo, Colton Tate, and John Rudolph; and four precious great-grandchildren, Nya Day, Brayden Day, Madison Rudolph, and Johnny Rudolph. His sister-in-law Xiva Day, JoAnn Ratcliff, brother-in-law William Stroud, and Oscar Stroud, along with many nieces and nephews, also survive him. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Ash Grove Healthcare Facility and Cox South In-Hospital Hospice for their compassionate care during Larry's final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry's memory to the Midwest Children's Burns Recovered Burn Camp at donatenow.networkforgood.org, under the Larry J Day Memorial. Larry Jess Day leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and service. His gentle spirit and unwavering devotion to family and friends will be forever cherished. As we celebrate his life, let us remember the profound impact of his loving nature and the joy he brought to all who knew him.