Larry Jess Day

Larry Jess Day, 86, of Springfield passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026. Born March 11, 1940, he was the youngest of 13 children born to Marshall Dewey and Clara Edith (Austin) Day.

He married the love of his life, Wanda Lucille Stroud, in 1960, and remained faithfully by her side until her passing in 2008. Together they had Kurtis and Caren. In 2018, he was joyfully united with his son, Rudy, embracing Rudy’s family as his own.

He served in the U.S. Army Reserve alongside his brother Lester and later built a career as a skilled welder for Paul Mueller and Precision Stainless. He was a survivor in overcoming Stage 3 Melanoma in 1998. Above all, he was a man of faith and a fixture at Grant Avenue Free Will Baptist Church, where he found joy in maintaining the grounds and greeting others with his signature kindness.

He was a devoted son who tenderly cared for his mother in her later years, and he was always the first to offer a helping hand to a friend or neighbor in need. His presence was a steady source of love and strength for his family. 

Even as he navigated the challenges of dementia, his gentle soul and sense of humor remained untouched. He became a favorite among the staff and residents at his care facilities, who often remarked on his sweet demeanor and joyful heart.

He was predeceased in death 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, Gearldean (Clarence) Willis, Ruth Peacock, Doris Altaffer, and Arletta (Gerald) Phelps; his in-laws, Lloyd and Cecile Stroud, Phillip Stroud, and Connie (Stroud) Bauer; as well as numerous cherished nephews and nieces.

He is survived by his children, Kurtis (Susan) Day, Caren (Brad) Tate, and Rudy (Lynnie) Rudolph; six treasured grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Ash Grove Healthcare Facility’s Memory Care who cared for him so well.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Midwest Children's Burn Camp (brsg.org/donate/) made in his honor, honoring his granddaughter Brittney’s work with fellow burn survivors.

Family and friends were invited to celebrate his life on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home in Springfield. Visitation was from 12-1 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m.. He was laid to rest at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens after the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. – DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory, Springfield.