SIKESTON, Mo. -- Lawrence E. "Larry" Farrar, 85, passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at his home in Sikeston, with his son and brother by his side.

Larry was born Nov. 24, 1930, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to the late Gracie Jackson.

He grew up in East Tupelo with a childhood friend, Elvis Presley. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 1948. He worked his entire career as an engineer for John Manville Co. in New Jersey,

Larry was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne, U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a decorated combat veteran. Larry was a past commander of the Morley VFW Post 5368.

Larry married Virginia Atchison on Feb. 14, 1981, and she preceded him in death March 30, 1999.

Larry loved raising cattle, hunting, fishing, grandkids and great-grandkids.

He is survived by three sons, Stephen Atchison of Sikeston, Clint Atchison of Jackson and Thomas Farrar of Alvin, Texas; a daughter, Pat Parks of Raritan, New Jersey; two brothers, John Farrar of Waco, Texas, and Winford Farrar of Morley, Missouri; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He also was preceded in death by a son, two sisters, a brother and a nephew.

The funeral service was held Friday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee, Missouri, with Rev. Michael Sowers officiating. Burial was in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens near Morley. Full graveside rites were conducted by the Missouri Honors Team.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.