Larry Leroy McMullen

Larry McMullen went to the Lord peacefully at St. Luke's Hospice House on July 8. Services to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00am, Monday, July 13, at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, downtown, 13th and Broadway, Kansas City, Mo. A reception in the Founders Hall will follow the service and thereafter burial at Mt. Muncie Cemetery in Lansing, KS. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Larry was born on March 12, 1932, the beloved son of Frank and Lora McMullen, and brother of Frank Jr., Vice Admiral, USN, all of whom predeceased him. Larry grew up in Waldo, attended Hale Cook School and was a proud graduate of Southwest High School. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. As an undergraduate, Larry joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity, serving as the chapter president, and thus was born a life-long love and loyalty to all the brothers of Sigma Chi. He was a mentor, leader and inspiration to not only the XiXi Chapter at Mizzou but to men and brothers nationwide which was recognized by Larry receiving the highest national honor for his service and commitment, the Order of Constantine.

Following his graduation, Larry attended law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating in 1957 first in his class; he served as Editor in Chief of the Missouri Law Review and was the recipient of the Order of the Coif. Prior to embarking on his legal career, Larry served in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Jg. on a minesweeper, the USS Surfbird. While at sea, he wrote a letter proposing marriage to the love of his life, Marilyn, whom he had met in the library at Mizzou. He waited several weeks for her response, and when it came, it was one word, "Maybe." Fortunately, upon his return, Larry and Marilyn, who predeceased him, forged a love affair that would last over 50 years and brought two sons, Michael (Bonnie) and Andrew (Renate), a nephew he held as a son, Mark (Chris), and six grandchildren, Matt (Ellie), Hannah, Sarah (Trent), Rachel (Steven), Ashton and Sophie. Marilyn was Larry's true love, guiding light and uncompromising support. Larry often mentioned that Marilyn was the reason that all the dreams that he had in his life came true.

Larry's professional career started in 1959 at Blackwell, Sanders, Matheny, Weary and Lombardi, now Husch Blackwell. He would practice in the firm for his entire career which extended over 60 years, faithfully serving his clients as a trial lawyer with remarkable success. Through the years, he touched the legal profession with his passion, integrity, diligence and skill, serving as a mentor and role model for countless lawyers and legal professionals. His honors were many, listed in the Best Lawyers in America for over three decades, but he was most proud to be a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a recipient of Dean of the Trial Bar by the Kansas City Missouri Bar Association.

Larry's community passions and interests are many but included being a life-long member of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral. He was dedicated in his support of the University of Missouri, where he was recognized with an honorary Doctorate of Laws as well as a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Larry was a passionate supporter, both as a leader and volunteer, for St. Luke's Hospital, Bishop Spencer Place and St. Luke's Hospice House where he spent his final days in the place he helped build, blessed beyond imagination by the loving care of its staff. Other interests and support included Missouri Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens, Children's Mercy Hospital, the Truman Library and the Missouri Historical Society.

Larry will be greatly missed. Larry will always be remembered for his grace and humility, always putting others first in both his personal and professional life. In the face of adversity, he brought a quiet but resolute faith, good humor and a sense of gratitude, leading us by example. At the end he frequently voiced that he was ready for his next journey, and that he was somewhat annoyed that "it was taking so long," apologizing to his family "for the burden he was placing upon them." Nothing could be further from the truth; it was always an honor and joy to be in Larry's presence.

The family encourages you to join us for the celebration of Larry's full and remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, we request on his behalf that contributions can be made to St. Luke's Hospice House, 3516 Summit, Kansas City, Mo. 64111.

For those who can’t attend the service in person, a live stream will be available at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26078816413273

A Funeral Service will be held at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 West 13th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on July 13, 2026, officiated by: Reverend Andrew McMullen.

A Catered Reception will follow at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Founders Hall, 415 West 13th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on July 13, 2026.

A Committal Service will take place at Mount Muncie Cemetery, 1500 8th Street, Lansing, Kansas 66043, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm on July 13, 2026.

Final resting place will be Mt. Muncie Cemetery in Lansing.