Larry Donavant

Larry King Donavant was born on August 27,1943 in Kansas City, Missouri

Larry King Donavant was born on August 27,1943 in Kansas City, Missouri and departed this life on February 15^th,2022 at home from complications of recent diagnosis of lung cancer at the age of 78.

He was the son of Leroy & Eleanor (Andlauer) Donavant.  He graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in Kansas City. 

Larry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend.  He has been a resident of both Stone and Taney County areas for 47 years coming from Kansas City/Grandview area.

Larry was a man of strong work ethic, was self-employed with his business of Antique and Classic Restorations in Lee’s Summit, Missouri until he and his family moved to Table Rock/Kimberling City area in 1975. He opened an autobody shop there to continue his love for cars.

Another passion Larry had was Fire Service. Larry started his volunteer firefighting career with Kimberling City fire department and became chief in 1977/78.  In the role of fire chief, he was instrumental in establishing the Southern Stone County Fire Protection District and resumed the role of Fire Chief for that district until he moved out of Stone County.  Larry volunteered for Western Taney County Fire protection district for many years leaving at the position of captain.  He then went to work for Branson Fire Department in the role of training officer for a number of years and finished his firefighting career as Fire Chief for Central Taney County Fire protection district until he retired in 2010 from the fire service. During his firefighting career he was a lead instructor of auto extrication for University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute.

Even as his career in Fire Department flourished, he continued his gift with cars in his long- term friendship he had with Mark Trimble, starting with Mark’s personal car collection and then exclusively working for Mark at The Ozark Auto Show.  During this time Larry also began his long connection with so many people at Shepherd of the Hills.

Larry was a man who loved serving his community, was well respected and often looked at as a mentor by others.  But the greatest blessing he felt was his family.

Larry was preceded in death by his father Leroy Donavant and mother Eleanor and step son Michael Coffelt JR.

He is survived by wife Linda Donavant, sister Carolyn Grover (Bob), 3 children Deanna Hustead (Darin), Chrisy Pollard (Curt), Joe Donavant (Jan), Step son Chad Coffelt (Joyce). Grandchildren, Rebecca Ranker, Sean Smith, A. J. Pollard, Tyler Pollard, Garrett Donavant, Cole Donavant, Mallory Donavant, Cheyann Coffelt, Lyndsy Edmondson, Kelby Edmondson , Tray Coffelt, Lane Edmondson, Coye Coffelt, Jace Coffelt.  And 21 great grandchildren as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Celebration of Life Memorial service for Larry Donavant will be held on Saturday March 12, 2022 from 1 PM to 4 PM.  Visitation starts at 1pm.  Service of Celebration of Life at 2PM. Continued Visitation until 4PM all at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, 1638 East Highway 76 Branson, Mo 65616. 

In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to Central Taney County Fire Protection District, 21060 U.S. Highway 160, Kissee Mills, MO 65680.