Larry A. Vitzthum, 85, of Independence, Missouri left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on the evening of Monday, November 17, 2025. After a brief illness, Larry went home from the hospital to home with Hospice. He shared with his family not to be sad for he was ready to go ‘home’ and has a reservation with the Lord. He was surrounded by his children and loved ones when he peacefully passed.

Larry is survived by his children, Mishia L. (Vitzthum) O’Dell, Brandy D. (Vitzthum) Dobelbower, Dusty L. Vitzthum, Robert J. Allen, Rhonda (Allen) Bucholz, and Michael Vitzthum. Survived by his grandchildren, Ralee D. O’Dell, Ivie E. Vitzthum, Chance T. Palmer, Jaylen L. Dobelbower, Jackson L. Dobelbower and great-grandchild, Myrcene J. Grove. Also, survived by his brother, Conrad Vitzthum. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Daisy L. Vitzthum, John Vitzthum (brother), Glendora F. Pierce (close friend/ex-wife), and Christian R. Adams (grandson, June 2025).

Larry was born in Rolla, Missouri in 1940, the youngest son of three. During his childhood, his parents traveled for work, providing many experiences, including exposure to native American culture in Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado, which he loved. As a young man, he would have been drafted but instead voluntarily signed up at 17 years old to serve in the Army Infantry division. He made his home all over the USA; including Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Michigan. He loved northern New Mexico and Colorado the most. If you ask him, Florida is the absolute worst place on earth. He was a mechanical engineer for most of his working life. In his later years, he worked at the National Rifle Association (NRA) in Raton, New Mexico. The NRA was one of his favorite jobs, providing him the opportunity to enjoy the mountains of northern New Mexico, witnessing the wildlife and meeting people from all over the world.

Larry was an adventurer, outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman, enjoying travel by car and stopping along the way to experience what interested him. He loved mountains and knew mountain ranges shown in a movie or on a nature show, just by sight. He loved working on cars and working with his hands. His passion for the knives he made was undeniable, sculpting each as a work of art but also a tool that would last the test of time. The knives he made were made with skill and love. He kept a list of the knives he made, on this list he sold these knives to people all over the world, totaling 611 knives.

He had a calling to minister to others, spreading the Word and giving away wooden crosses he made with a deep red hand carved wooden heart. He just knew who needed to hear the word and he only gave away these crosses with an estimate of over 500 at his last count. He lovingly wrote “John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” on the back of each cross.

His love for wildlife and animals was undeniable. He had a special place in his heart for dogs, bears, racoons and eagles. When he lived with his daughter in Lathrop, Missouri, he would feed the racoons scraps and dog food. The racoons came to know him and would wait for him. There were a couple that would seemingly knock on the sliding glass door. These racoons brought him so much joy, he referred to them as ‘his babies’. They were very well cared for wildlife!!

He treasured his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching them unusual things, like knife or axe throwing, how to set up a lean-to, hunting, fishing, or what to do to survive off the land. His teachings including being independent, self-defense, and believing/loving God.

Larry embraced a living celebration of life and per his wishes was cremated. Being the traveler and adventurer that he was, there was no surprise to his children that his last wishes were to not be placed on a shelf but to have his ashes scattered in the Colorado River in Colorado so that his remains could travel indefinitely. The family will hold a ceremony in the late spring or early summer to honor his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests plants to allow them to live on in Larry’s memory.

Larry lived a very full life as a son, brother, dad, grandpa, great grandpa and friend to so many. He will be greatly missed. We know he is rejoicing in Heaven and soaring with the eagles. 

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