Larry F. Bills, 78, of Palestine, IL, passed away on April 20, 2023, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. Born on July 31, 1944, in Salinas, CA, he was the son of Laurence E. & Iona J. (Durham) Bills, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Susan (Caraway) on July 14, 2001, and sadly, Susan passed away on March 15, 2016, leaving an indelible impression on Larry's heart.
Larry's legacy continues with his deeply loved and cherished children - Kim & her husband Kenny Koch (Camdenton, MO), Brian Bills (Kansas City, KS) & his significant other Jessica, Laura & her husband Tony Osborn (Robinson, IL), and David & his wife Daphne Conour (Stoughton, WI). Larry's family expanded exponentially with numerous adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They, as well as his brother, Richard Bills (Platte City, MO), survive, as does a host of extended family members.
Larry grew up in Salina, KS, where he graduated from high school in 1962. Larry continued his education at Kansas State University and shortly thereafter began an eclectic and impressive career that took many forms. Through the years, Larry's titles included deputy sheriff, construction diesel mechanic, carbide grinder, railroad brakeman, and licensed realtor. He was even a mechanical and electrical design engineer, helping develop conveyors for the big three automakers. Larry's exceptional intelligence and keen problem-solving skills led him to his final career move as a systems analyst and administrator for Verizon in Tulsa, OK, where he ultimately retired.
Just as he engaged in a wide range of work, he also pursued a wide range of interests and passions. Among them were racing (a young Larry raced his own sprint car for years), building and flying radio-controlled airplanes, cheering on his beloved Kansas City Chiefs, fishing, and studying history. Anyone who knew him recognized that Larry held a particular fascination for weather-related phenomena. In a testament to his dedication to weather forecasting, he recently collaborated with the National Weather Service, which installed an antenna in his backyard. This partnership allowed him to upload real-time weather data to their systems, contributing to essential monitoring and alert services for his community. Larry's engagement with the world didn't end with his hobbies. A longtime Shriner, he dedicated many hours to philanthropy and community service. Additionally, he held a membership with the Masonic Lodge in Overland Park, KS.
Larry's spiritual transformation began later in life, and it's clear that his path toward faith was nothing short of extraordinary. While he couldn't be dragged into church for most of his 78 years, the Holy Spirit used both his experiences and time to finally lead him to the doors of the Outer West Market Church of Christ in Palestine. He joined the church on October 31, 2021, and was baptized just months later, on February 27, 2022. As Larry's faith grew deeper, so did his capacity to express love to those around him. His earlier days may have been characterized by some emotional reserve, but the twilight of his life was marked by an openness and warmth that was as inspiring as it was touching. Larry's newfound relationship with Jesus led him to attend church faithfully, even as his health declined. In his final days, it was with great joy that Larry found refuge in the arms of his Savior, a faithful and loving Shepherd who guided him through every valley in his life.
His passing brings with it the powerful testimony of a life touched by grace and redeemed by faith, a testament that will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who had the privilege to know him. We who are left behind grieve our own loss, but not as those without hope. After all, we can be thankful for the priceless gift of knowing and loving Larry Bills, a man who truly exemplified wisdom, passion, and faith. We are confident that, as he walks in the Kingdom of Heaven, his life continues as a testament to the transformative power of Jesus Christ.
"As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied when I awake, with thy likeness." - Psalm 17:15
It was Larry's wish to be cremated, and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements. In his memory, memorial contributions may be made to his church family at "Outer West Market Church of Christ."