LAWRENCE FRENCH

Lawrence Donald French, of Stanchfield, formerly of Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, at his home.  He was 72 years old.

Lawrence, lovingly known as Larry, was born on July 14, 1953, in Keokuk, Iowa to parents Donald and Maxine (Ferguson) French.  Larry loved growing up in Fairfield IA with his mom, dad and big brother Rick.  The times on their grandparent’s farm were rich in adventure, full of lessons learned from grandma and grandpa, Rick, and cousins and friends, and those lessons and adventures went a long way toward building Larry into the man he would become.  Larry treasured the times flying with his dad Donald and cherished his relationship with his mother Maxine.

An Eagle Scout at 17, then achieving his pilot’s license shortly after graduating high school, Larry was no stranger to working towards goals and pursuing dreams.  After meeting Carol McQueen while they were both at Northeast Missouri State University, Larry fell in love and they were married in 1974. Carol and Larry settled in Mexico Missouri where they raised their 3 children, Jennifer, Lisa, and Thomas, before moving to Sturgeon, Missouri.  So many friends and family members along the way were instrumental in their lives.  Larry worked as a K-12 Special Education Teacher for about 10 years before deciding to go back to school to get his master’s degree in Elementary School Counseling. Larry enjoyed elementary school counseling and was highly valued by his co-workers and friends at Harrisburg Schools.

Larry and Carol’s involvement in the Mexico Bass Club, square dancing club, and community theater brought joy and friendship into their lives, along with a lot of fishing stories and laughter.  Larry’s years of coaching Special Olympics and his involvement in the Jaycee’s, Knights of Columbus, and Optimists Club were continuations of Larry’s love of service, learned early in his years growing up with his family.

Larry loved going to air shows with his kids and grandchildren and was overjoyed to take Katie fishing at a neighborhood pond or play games, read stories and sing songs with Sophia, Magnus and Sigmond. 

Larry lost Carol to cancer in 2012, after 38 years of marriage. Larry moved from the home he shared with Carol and eventually settled in Columbia Mo. Larry continued his service work, worked part time, and enjoyed his friends and family.

Larry remarried and relocated to Liberty Missouri and enjoyed his life with his wife’s children and grandchildren and their pets and friends.  Larry divorced and moved to Braham Minnesota in 2024 to live with his daughter Lisa and her family.  Larry loved watching his grandsons in sporting events, enjoyed making new friends at the Cambridge Senior Activity Center, attended Braham Covenant Church and embraced his growing faith.  Larry also loved just sitting and watching wildlife through the window while petting his loving dog, Sugar.

Larry French led a life full of challenges, service, friendship and love.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol, brother Tommy French, and sister Theresa French.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Bob) Visalli, Lisa (Jim) Bremer, and Thomas French; grandchildren, Katie Visalli, Sophia Visalli, Magnus Bremer, and Sigmond Bremer; brother Rick (Peggy) French; nieces, Laura (Kris) Gerick and Carrie French; many other relatives and friends.

Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Braham Covenant Church with Pastor Jake King officiating.

Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Light Refreshments and fellowship will immediately follow the service.

Inurnment will be held in the summer at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Novinger, Missouri.

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