The Bible tells us to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord; Larry Frank Sipes was ushered into his Lord’s presence from Quincy, IL, on December 18, 2023.
Larry was born on July 11, 1937, in Oregon, Missouri, the youngest child of Frank and Lula Sipes. He attended Oregon High School where he met the love of his life, Nancy Noel Sipes, during their sophomore year. They were married on January 19, 1957, after their first year of college, and enjoyed 67 years together.
Both Larry and Nancy went on to graduate from Northwest Missouri University. Larry completed his Master's Degree from Colorado State University and then earned his Doctorate from the University of Kansas. He held various teaching, principal, and superintendent positions in Kansas and Missouri, and was a professor at Western Illinois University for 31 years. During his tenure, he taught educational administration courses and supervised student teachers, finding particular joy in working with numerous students and educators across Illinois and Iowa.
Larry and Nancy are the parents of three children: Katy (Brian) Kauffman, Kim (Brad) Hartweg, and Kerry (Natalene/Dave Johnson) Sipes. Kerry preceded Larry in death on December 9, 2005. He had twelve grandchildren: Cassidy (Derek) Gustafson, Courtney Kauffman, Austin (Ashton) Hartweg, Jacey Hartweg, Chase Hartweg, Maddalyn (Brett) Powers, Kerryann Sipes, Jesselyn (Michael) Bagdanovich, Miles Sipes, Mitchell Johnson, Jack Johnson and Zoie Johnson; and 12 great-grandchildren: Emmett, Ella and Elizabeth Gustafson; Emma Powell, Arlie Sullivan, Aiden, Charles, Ryder and Jace Hartweg; Sally Sipes, Charlotte Powers, and Easton Hill; and many nieces and nephews.
Larry's warmth extended to all facets of his life, enveloping students and teachers in his classes, players on the field, friends from church, and every member of his community. His heart cherished his family, finding immense joy in their diverse activities and accomplishments. His dedication was evident as he coached his children and their friends in their formative years. But it was with his grandkids that his passion reached new heights, arriving at the stands well before the team bus and meticulously recording game stats on his beloved baseball hats. Yet, his support wasn't confined to his grandchildren alone; he embraced the entirety of the team, encouraging and supporting each one.
Having accepted the Lord as his personal Savior in his youth, Larry was active in his church and served as an ordained deacon within the Southern Baptist Convention. His dedication extended to his roles as a board director and committee member with the Iowa Southern Baptist Association and the local Association. He also served as an interim lay pastor filling the pulpit for over 20 churches throughout the Tri-State area.
In addition to his son, Kerry, Larry was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerry Sipes; and two sisters, Marianne (John) Anderson and Peggy (Robert) Whipple. He is survived by his wife, daughters, and grandchildren.
Visitation and funeral will be held at Bel Air Baptist Church in Keokuk, Iowa. Visitation will be on Thursday, 12/28/23 from 4:00-6:00 PM with the funeral followed by a luncheon on Friday 12/29/23 at 11:00 AM.
A second visitation and funeral will be held at Chamberlain Funeral Home in Oregon, MO, on Saturday, 12/30/23, with burial to follow at Sipes Addition of the Maple Grove Cemetery. Family will arrive at noon to receive visitors and the services will start at 1:00 PM.
