Larry Dale Kratz was born in Higginsville, MO, May 18, 1947, and passed away on September 5, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Gladys, son Eric (Stefanie and granddaughter, Addison), daughter Alicia (Joe and grandsons, Morgan and Jackson), and his younger brother Terry (Judy).

Larry battled and beat cancer. He also battled Alzheimer's and Dementia which eventually took his life.

He grew up in Higginsville, MO. He was an athletic star in many sports and received many accolades in football, basketball, and track. He graduated from Higginsville High School in 1965, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Missouri State University in 1969 and a Master of Science in Education in 1974.

Larry and Gladys met in Higginsville, married in 1968, and lived in Warrensburg, MO from 1972 to 2014 before moving to Lee's Summit. They enjoyed traveling the world, going to Germany, Italy, and destinations across the US. Whether to support his son during a sporting event, visiting his daughter and her military family, or just a new adventure, he loved the outdoors and exploring new places. He enjoyed the Colorado mountains, California wine country and times at the beach. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Larry was a teacher. He started his career as an elementary Physical Education teacher within Warrensburg. He taught at Warrensburg High School, teaching Physical Education, Health, and Drivers Education. He retired in 2005. During the summers when school was not in session, he worked various jobs working in concrete and mowing lawns. He also coached summer swim team for 9 years. After he retired from teaching, he still coached tennis and taught Drivers Education for another 7 years. He did eventually retire and relax.

Larry coached many sports. He coached football, girls' and boys' basketball, girls' and boys' tennis, track, and swimming. He was highly respected by fellow coaches and the athletes he mentored. He was part of numerous winning teams and coached several high-level athletes. Former players and students still revere him as a major influence in their lives. He often spoke of them and how they also shaped and inspired him. He continued to support or participate in games and school events for many years.

He was the one that seemed to have all the answers to Trivial Pursuit. Even the most obscure things. He would get up early in the morning and read the newspaper and read books. He really loved the mysteries.

Larry loved all sports. He would watch sports either on TV or live at the games. He was always breaking down the plays and injecting commentary. Many times, yelling at the TV that they should have done it a different way or telling the players what they should have done differently. He was always thinking about strategy.

If he was anywhere close, he never missed a game, play, or school event. He loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, school events, and graduations. His voice could be heard above all the others cheering for the team. He would get to know the team and cheer for other kids on the team as well.

Larry was an avid runner. He got up early and went for a run many times during the week. He enjoyed the outdoors and ran 10-20 miles a week. He participated in quite a few organized races be it a 5K or 10K.

Larry loved his family and would do almost anything for them. He loved and respected the athletes he coached and the students he taught.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Warrensburg, Missouri with a celebration of life to follow. Inurnment will then take place at the Higginsville City Cemetery at 3:30 p.m., in Higginsville, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Frontotemporal dementia (Pick's disease) fund or St. Judes Hospital and may be left in care of the funeral home.