Larry Lee Crossland

Larry Lee Crossland, 71 of Richland, Missouri, formerly of Forest City, Illinois of 30 years, was born May 21, 1954, in Peoria, Illinois to the late John Kemmel and Ella Mae (Stewart) Crossland. Jesus called him home April 8th, 2026. Larry was a graduate of East Peoria Community High School Class of 1972. He was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Co. until his retirement in 2012. He was also a substitute bus driver for Midwest Central School District to which he shared his love of drawings with his students. Larry gave his life to Jesus Christ as a young boy and rededicated his life to our Savior and was baptized in July 1998. As a youth he spent summers with his grandparents Glen and Ada Stewart on their farm in Brownfield, Missouri hauling hay and cultivating a love of hunting, fishing and being in nature. He also inherited the generational fit of orneriness and unique creativity. A natural born tease and artist., he loved to draw on anything including his wife Brenda, his timecards, 1966 Ford Galaxy and drawing pads. He drew inspiration from nature, family and his fantastic imagination often gifting his work. His humor included animated pranks like removing his eyeballs, rolling them in his mouth to clean and then reinserting them only to end up cross-eyed. Or inviting anyone to see the finger he found at work when in reality it was his own finger poking through a tobacco can and then wiggling it around. He loved to share his knowledge of native plants, mushrooms and caves. Larry also had a love of auctions, antiques and steady hands to whittle and carve anything including walking sticks. On November 29th, 1974, Larry married the love of his life Brenda Lee Hammock and to this union four children were born Jesse Lee, Mariah Lee, Travis Lee and Teton Lee. They were blessed to raise Kemmel Lee and Kyia Harper as their own. Larry was a devoted husband, daddy, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. He tended to his mother’s care for 10 years even while his own health was challenged, he was a devoted son. He was an example of sacrifice and unconditional love. He was also so patient with his children and grandchildren and learning something new. Those left to mourn his passing is his beautiful wife Brenda of 51 years. His children Jesse Crossland of Richland, MO, Mariah Ritzheimer (Zach) of Richland, MO, Travis Crossland (Anna) of Sierra Vista, AZ, Teton Crossland of Richland, MO, Kemmel Crossland of Peoria, IL and Kyia Harper of Richland, MO. Grandchildren Lucas, Tyler, Gavin, Dannon, Brenna, Olen, Mira, Declan, Teagan, Amelia and Ruby. Brother Donald (Marilyn) Crossland, sister Diana (Tim) Richey. Sister and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor DJ Desjardins officiating. Music was provided by Stacy Green and serving as escorts were Travis Crossland, Tyler Prittchett-Crossland, Lucas Crossland, John Green, Zach Ritzheimer, Stacy Green, Teton Crossland and Gavin Ritzheimer. Serving as honorary escorts were Jesse Crossland and Kemmel Crossland. Burial followed in the Centerpoint Cemetery near Richland, Missouri. Services and arrangements were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Larry Crossland and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Larry Lee Crossland

May 21, 1954 - April 8, 2026