Larry Michael

Funeral services for Larry Michael, 84, of Chariton, will be held at the Chariton Christian Church - Disciples of Christ on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Corydon Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the Chariton Christian Church on Sunday, May 5th, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m.  

Memorials may be made to Larry's family to be designated at a later date.

Larry Marvin Michael was born on November 26, 1939, in Chariton, Iowa. It was a beautiful fall day as Paul and Martha(Dunshee) Michael watched the kids play football in the yard as they welcomed Larry into the world. He was born at Martha’s parent's home, the Dunshee Funeral Home, located close to the high school. Larry had a great sense of humor and loved to joke about being born in the funeral home. 

Larry’s family made their home in Corydon, and he attended Wayne High School graduating in 1957. He then went to Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville where he received a degree in Industrial Technology and Secondary Education. He then taught for two years in Ewing, Missouri. He married the love of his life, Joan Hart, on August 18, 1963. Joan was a longtime friend of his sister, Marilyn. After their wedding, Larry and Joan moved to Chariton where Larry began teaching at Chariton High School in 1963.  Larry and Joan were blessed with five children: Tammy, John Paul, Tim, Tod, and Thad. He taught for 43 years at the high school, including going back after retiring. He loved the students and enjoyed guiding them with his knowledge at this stage of their lives. He always said it kept him young. Larry also taught Driver’s Ed and had numerous funny stories to tell. For years on Friday nights, you could catch him in the press box recording the Charger’s home football games. 

Larry was very active in his community. He was a scout leader for many years and was quick to volunteer his many talents to community and school events. In fact, he was the only one who knew how to build a fountain in the gym for prom without destroying the floor. Larry's sons hold many dear memories of their Boy Scout outings. Larry often joked about what "projects" Joan and Tammy might concoct upon their return. These projects sometimes involved getting rid of some of Larry's “prized possessions” otherwise known as junk. Larry's unwavering faith guided him throughout his life, leading him to become a devoted member and elder of the Chariton Christian Church from the young age of 26. He played an integral role on the building committee, contributing significantly to the planning and construction of the church that stands today.

He was a perfectionist, especially in woodworking and construction, taught by a long line of builders and carpenters. “Michael’s Mill” was a family business started by his great-grandfather in 1875. As a kid, Larry began helping his dad build hog houses that were sold throughout southern Iowa and northern Missouri. The nails not only were driven straight, but they needed to be in an exact straight line. The work helped to pay for college and supplement his teaching salary as Larry began his career and family.  He often burned the “Michael’s Mill 1875” stamp into the furniture and projects he built. His creations, spanning from cradles and rocking horses for his grandchildren, to cannons and kitchen cabinets, showcased his deep pride in his family's legacy.

Larry was a lover of music and his surround sound. He had it so loud you could feel it in the house and the neighbors could hear it. He mischievously introduced his grandchildren to “The Streak” and “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival.” He often listened to movie soundtracks on the way to his favorite restaurant “Robin’s Wood Oven Grill.” The owners got to know him by name, even giving him a holiday meal on the house.

His children remember him as a history lover, sentimental, and meticulous. He instilled in them a strong work ethic, often reminding them, "Anything worth doing is worth doing well." He held them to high standards, urging them to finish what they started, always with a loving, yet firm, approach. His grandchildren joke he was much less firm with them since they were the apple of his eye. Larry's grandchildren adored him right back and can't recall him ever missing an event. He attended volleyball and football games, dance and drill team competitions, NHS ceremonies, homecoming courts, proms, cheerleading, scout awards, and graduations. Although he hoped to see Karcyn graduate, they find comfort in knowing he'll have the best seat in the house. Fond memories include trips to Disney on Ice and the Omaha Zoo, where Larry's playful teasing about dung beetles always brought smiles. He loved traveling with his kids and grandkids, exploring places like the St. Louis Arch, Civic Center plays, Florida, Branson, Yellowstone, state fairs, and much more. He was blessed to get to enjoy his great-grandchildren and loved to jabber with them.

He never wavered in putting his family first, instilling the virtues of hard work, family, and faith, all to be passed on to the next generation. He often reminded his family of what a great life he lived and how blessed he was. God be with you 'till we meet again.

Larry passed away on April 30, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his infant son, John Paul; and his parents: Paul and Martha.  He will be greatly missed by his wife and best friend of 60 years, Joan; children: Tammy (Shawn) Moore, Tim (Ronda) Michael, Tod (Vonda) Michael, and Thad (Heather) Michael; grandchildren: Lauren (Jake) Shipley, Mercedes Michael (Bryce Cunningham), Harli (Brayden) Rich, Tristen Michael, Cheyenne Michael (Brandon Storm), Karcyn Michael, Brandi (Jesse) Blum, Justin (Jacqueline) Brown, Kolby (Brooke) Moore, and Kenadi Moore; great-grandchildren: Arlo, Hazel, Forrest, and Stone; many step-great-grandchildren; siblings: Marilyn Goughnour and Robert Michael; along with many relatives and friends.