Larry Joe Ingram, of Leawood, KS, suddenly passed away on the day of our Savior’s birth, December 25, 2021. Larry will be reunited with his life-long sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Carole Ann Ingram, who left this world to be with the Lord on November 30, 2019.
Gregarious, outspoken, and independent, Larry had a heart for those around him, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren. But his generosity and kindness extended well beyond his immediate family as Larry touched the lives of those that he coached and mentored over the years.
Larry was born in Danville, IL on Sept. 3, 1942. He and his younger sister Mary Kay McDonald grew up on a farm with their parents, Joe, and Ruth Ingram, in Redmon, IL. As was indicative of many in that generation, Larry learned his tough, Midwestern work ethic in those early days that helped shape and mold him into the person he would later become.
Larry was a standout track competitor at Brocton High School in Brocton, IL, holding the record in the 440-yard race for a time. But there was something else that garnered his attention at Brocton High School – a young lady, who would eventually capture his heart forever, Carole Ann Williams. They attended Eastern Illinois University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Education. They wed on February 24, 1963. From there, it was off to Paris! Paris, Illinois, that is, where Larry began working at Illinois Cereal Mill and Carole followed her passion as a music teacher and organist.
In the fall of 1970, Larry was offered and accepted a position with the Agri-Business giant Conagra in Omaha, NE, which started a ‘Go Big Red’ indoctrination that lasted a lifetime. Fate came calling in the summer of 1974 when Tabor Milling, Co. persuaded Larry to move to Kansas City where he became the head of their corn milling division; hence, the move to Overland Park, Kansas. Larry finished his career with Archer-Daniels Midland Company, as a Regional Sales Manager.
Larry and Carole were blessed with 9 grandchildren, their special focus in their twilight years. Their faith was strong and enduring with many years as members at Overland Park Christian Church and later at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Leawood, KS, both where Carole was an organist.
Larry was quick to give you his opinion, hard to persuade, but he was consistent and authentic. God-fearing, intimidating at times, but underneath the hood, was a kind-hearted soul that deeply cared for people.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Josiah and Ruth Ingram, his wife of 56 years, Carole Ingram. He is survived by his son, Jeff, and wife, Kim, children Cooper, Danielle, Chuck; daughter, Jo Anne, and husband, Troy, children Ella and Grant; son, Grant , and wife, Laura, children Brett and Callie; and daughter, Elizabeth, children Cody and Marjorie.
The family graciously thanks everyone for their love and support over the years. A visitation and service will be held at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church 13300 Kenneth Rd. Leawood, Kansas 66224 on Friday, January 7, 2022. The visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 and the service will begin at 11:00. A private family burial will follow as Larry is laid to rest next to his beloved, Carole.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy 1622 E 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108 in Larry’s memory.
Rest in Peace, Coach, PawPaw, Scary Larry… D-A-D.
Please see the beautiful slideshow highlighting Larry and Carole at https://drive.google.com/file/d/10QZ6cyxIJJwNqOMtzCSonsyYoRSKnNuy/view?usp=sharing