Larry O. Glidewell, 86, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. He was born May 14, 1939 to Glen and Betha Glidewell in St. Joseph, Missouri.
He was a graduate of Lafayette High School, St. Joseph Junior College and NWMSC of Maryville, Missouri. He also did his graduate work at Central Michigan University. His first job in education was as a math teacher and principal of Gower High School in the Fall of 1961. In later years, he taught math in various area schools as well as serving as an adjunct for Highland Junior College. In 1984, he left education to take a job as a machine operator at Quaker Oats until the plant closed in May 2001.
Larry married Colleen Ellsworth on February 16, 1962, and together raised three children, Jeffrey (Kenda) Glidewell, Jennifer (Joseph) Christian, and Joe (Stacy) Glidewell. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Colleen, his second wife, Myrtle Turpin and daughter-in-law Terry Glidewell. He is survived by his children, and six grandsons Jordan, Josiah, and Jeremiah Christian, Isaac and Nathaniel Glidewell, and Levi Glidewell, five great grandchildren, Truman and Vera Christian, Grant and Reid Glidewell and Tatum Glidewell and his third wife, Lhieke Glenn.
Larry was kind-hearted, gentle and generous to his church, family, and friends. He loved working in his yard, planting trees, bushes and flowers.
Above all else, Larry loved the Lord and he accepted Him as his Savior at an early age. He especially loved to memorize Bible verses and share them with friends and family.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 3:00 P.M. Saturday, November 22, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Joseph. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, November 21, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
