Lawrence J. Morrissey

Lawrence J. Morrissey (Larry) passed away on February 22, 2026 at the age of 83. Although he battled Parkinson's disease during his later years, Larry's quiet strength and grace shone through every challenge.

Larry was born on February 15, 1943 in Kansas City, Kansas. Soon after, his family moved to North Kansas City, Missouri. He attended St. Patrick's Grade School and St. Pius X High School, later graduating from Rockhurst College in 1965. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy (nee Higdon), and together they celebrated 49 loving years of marriage. Larry and Judy traveled extensively throughout the United States-visiting every state except Delaware-and enjoyed countless camping trips along the way. Their adventures even took them to Scotland on 9/11. In his later years, Larry embraced life as a Winter Texan, journeying in a fifth-wheel trailer and making his home at Tropic Star RV Park in Pharr until his health began to decline.

For the last 30 years of his career, Larry worked at Hoffman-Roche Pharmaceutical Sales, a tenure marked by hard work, dedication, and numerous accolades. His consistent excellence earned him several Presidents Awards-the highest recognition a Roche sales representative can receive. In the early 1990s, he excelled in the Virology sales force, consistently ranking as the top representative in the nation. Known also for his impeccable style, Larry's signature Tabasco ties were a testament to the unique panache he brought to every aspect of his life.

Larry's quick wit and keen sense of humor endeared him to all who knew him. An avid reader- rumored to have once absorbed 700 words per minute in his youth-he also held passions for music, movies, fast cars, fishing, and bird hunting. His encyclopedic knowledge of history, particularly World War II, alongside his enduring love for his country and the military, were central to his identity, even though medical reasons prevented him from serving.

Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Orth and Mary Elizabeth Morrissey, Larry leaves behind a loving family. He is survived by his wife of the last 11 years, Elizabeth (Betty); his daughters, Elizabeth (Beth) Sola of Rochester, MN (Dr. Christopher), and Dana DeBuhr of Raleigh, NC (Eric); his grandchildren, Ryler Debuhr (Rebecca)of Shelby, NC; Arden Debuhr, and Brogan Debuhr; his great-grandchildren, Linus and Patrick DeBuhr; his brother, Daniel (Dan )Morrissey (Lisa); as well as his niece, Shauna, and nephew, Shaun Morrissey of Bella Vista, AR.

Larry was a generous man who lived by the belief "It is in giving that we receive". Always ready with a helping hand, his kindness, humor, and resilience will forever reside in our hearts, memories, and prayers.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27th at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 6415 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO, followed by an escorted procession to Terrace Park Cemetery, 801 NW 108th, Kansas City, MO, for the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to the Parkinson's Foundation, 1350 Broadway, Suite 1530, New York, NY 10018 or Ascend Hospice, 783 NE Anderson LN, Lee's Summit, MO 64064.