Larry James McKim

Larry was born January 19, 1940 in Kirksville, Missouri to Albert and Maggie (Harden) McKim.

Larry married Norma Jean (Stewart) McKim on December 20, 1960 in Kirksville, Missouri and to this union three children were born.

Larry is survived by his wife of 64 years Norma; son, Melvin McKim and wife Angie of Brashear; daughters, Carrie Eggelston and husband Ronald of Eagle River, Alaska and Molly Balliew and husband Glenn of Brashear; six grandchildren, Matthew McKim and wife Chelsey of Brashear, Michael McKim and wife Jennifer of Downing, Danielle (Eggelston) Owens of Palmer, Alaska, Steven Eggelston of Eagle River, Alaska, Jacob Balliew and wife Carolina of Townsend, Montana, and Emily (Balliew) Fay and husband Adam of Colorado Spring, Colorado. Sister Connie Kelsey and husband Larry of Brashear. Also surviving are eight great grandchildren, Annaleigh, Penelope, Zoe and Waverly Fay, Wyatt Balliew, Sydney Owens, Lillie McKim, Ryker and Kazzmin McKim. 

Larry is preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary; brothers, Donald, Richard and Jerry McKim; sister-in-law, Mary McKim; and grandson-in-law, Slade Owens.

Larry was a member of the South Side Baptist Church in Kirksville. Larry was also a member of the Colony Masonic Lodge #168, Greensburg Lodge #414 and the Edina VFW.

Larry served in the US Army from 1957-1960 and was stationed in Germany. After the Army, Larry returned to Kirksville to work with his dad and brother Richard at the Billy Creek Coal Mine. Larry later worked for Bailey limestone with his brother Donald and then Miller Ford/Chevrolet. Larry and Norma bought their first farm in Brashear where they lived with their young family. Larry worked at McGraw Edison, Barker Garage and also drove a school bus for Brashear Schools. Larry opened Brashear Garage and moved his family into Brashear to be closer to his business. Larry was seriously injured in an accident in 1980 while volunteering with the Shriners Rodeo. This led him to eventually sell his business and return to work with McGraw Edison in Macon where he stayed until retiring in 2002. In retirement Larry was often called by a friend or neighbor with repair questions and would lend a hand to get them back up and running.

Larry was an avid fisherman and enjoyed a lifetime setting lines along the Fabius, Salt and Chariton rivers of Northeast Missouri and spoonbill fishing near Warsaw. Larry traveled to Canada and Alaska for many years enjoying the pursuit of Walleye, Pike, Halibut and many of the Salmon species. One of his fondest memories was snagging King Salmon on an alder branch with his grandson in law Slade. He shared many stories of the adventures had while fishing with friends and family.

Larry and Norma along with their children bought their current farm to which they have added acreage over the years. There they later made a home, raised Angus cattle (something Larry loved until due to health reasons it became too difficult) and turned this land into their legacy. Larry knew what hard work was having worked from a very young age in order to help provide for his family. Larry worked hard raising his own family often taking on an odd job or repairing a vehicle or tractor so his family would not do without. Larry always put the needs of Norma and his kids first. HIs love for his family was immeasurable and they feel the same about him.

The memorial service will be held Sunday, January 19th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Playle-Rimer-Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Kirksville. A Masonic service will be held at the begin of the memorial service. The burial with Military rites will follow at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville. The visitation will be held an hour before the service from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Sabbath Home Church.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Playle-Rimer-Millard Family Funeral Chapel.