Larry Hines, beloved father, grandfather, teacher, and coach passed away on January 31, 2022, at the age of 80, in Independence, MO (formerly of Bolivar and Waynesville, MO.) Visitation and funeral services will be held Monday, February 7, 2022. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM with the memorial service immediately following at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation checks can be sent to the Waynesville R-VI Foundation at 200 Fleetwood Drive, Waynesville, MO 65583 in memory of Larry Hines. Memorial donations will be used to support the Waynesville High School Basketball Program. Online donations can also be made at https://www.waynesvilleschoolsfoundation.com
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Larry was born in 1942 in Springfield, to parents James Price and Georgia Hines. He was an ornery and adventurous child, often getting in trouble for his antics. He was a multi-sport accomplished high school athlete. He graduated from Bolivar High School in 1960 and was honored to be a member of the 1960 State Championship Basketball team. Following high school, he played basketball at Southwest Baptist Jr. College and John Brown College. From there, he began his teaching and coaching career. He taught and coached in Weaubleau, MO, Dadeville, MO, Buffalo, MO, and in 1975 settled in Waynesville, MO for the remainder of his teaching career. While in Waynesville, he taught at Wood Middle and Waynesville High School and taught PE, health, history, and driver’s education. While he loved teaching, his passion was coaching. Throughout his 30+ year career, he coached football, wrestling, tennis, baseball, and basketball. His knowledge and passion for sports were extensive. He coached thousands of kids over many years and made an impact on so many. Upon retirement, he continued to coach for several more years in Waynesville, and then in Springfield, MO. In Springfield, he also began volunteering at St. John’s Hospital and over the years managed to volunteer over 3500 hours. In 2012, he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as one of the Filbert Five honorees. These men were honored for their accomplishments while being assistant basketball coaches. Larry had many hobbies that included gardening, travel, and fishing. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment and the thing that made him most proud was his family. He treasured any time that he could spend with his daughter, grandchildren, and other family members. He was very family-oriented and family-centered. Family was everything. Once he moved to Independence to be closer to family, he enjoyed spending time with his dear friend and companion Phyllis and was the resident bartender at his senior living apartment complex. He was even known to take an occasional scooter ride to Twin Peaks for lunch on a nice day. Larry had a kind and generous spirit. He was hilariously funny. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and MU fan. He truly was a friend to all.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents James Price and Georgia Hines and his sister Sue Enterline.
He is survived by his daughter, Tosha Todd (Mike); grandsons Noah and Jonah Hensley and granddaughter Harper Todd; friend and dear family member Sandra Hines; and numerous friends.
Obituary submitted by family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441
Don Cunningham
3 Feb 2022Larry was a special friend. We got to spend time with Larry before his move to be near his daughter it was definitely a special time for my family. Larry was a friend of mine since we were 4-5 years old. Lots of special memories. We will definitely miss him.
Shelby Ruehter
3 Feb 2022Larry will definitely be missed. Him & my grandfather, Don Cunningham taught me how to drive. Lots of good memories with the both of him. Prayers and love being sent to the family.
John Paden
3 Feb 2022My name is John Paden. I was a classmate of Larry from the 3rd grade thru the first two years of college, I lived two blocks from Larry in Bolivar. I spent countless hours playing ball with Larry and a couple of other classmates in Larry’s back yard. One time Larry hit a foul ball that was so far foul that it went right thru one of the windows in back of his house. Larry immediately was called inside the house and came out with a tear-stained face. I am indeed saddened to hear of his passing.
Cathy Medearis
3 Feb 2022I’m very sorry to hear about Larry and your families loss. My family thought the world of him. I had the pleasure of taking several trips to the casino with Larry and my dad, Don Cunningham and I loved every minute of them. Larry kept us laughing and made every trip memorable! He will be missed.
Mike Wilson
5 Feb 2022I am saddened to hear about Larry’s passing. I was his assistant football coach and he helped me in my basketball coaching. I never ceased to be amazed at his ability to shoot a basketball or toss darts. We played horse together many times, I always lost. I had more success at tennis which we played many times. I had a great time flying to Florida for a pre season Cardinals game. I have so many fond memories, my heart is saddened to hear of his passing.
Lynn S. Nance
6 Feb 2022Larry and I were teammates at Southwest Baptist and have remained close friends through the many years following leaving school and going in separate directions. We have shared coaching stories and memories of past success and failure on many occasions by phone and in person. Larry leaves a history of being a great friend, voluntary worker, coach and counselor to hundreds of young people. He “ran the race” well and will be missed by all who came into contact with him.
Phyllis and Larry Proffer
7 Feb 2022Larry was not only a family member but also a friend. He had a heart for kids which was evident in his love for sports and the kids he coached over the years. He will be greatly missed.