Larry Vandiver

Larry Wayne Vandiver, 73, of St. Louis, formerly of Jackson, passed away Monday, January 23, 2023, at Delmar Gardens in St. Louis. Larry died on what would have been his mother's 91 st birthday. His niece, Stacy, was instrumental in Larry's care and recently helped him settle into Delmar Gardens. She was with him when he passed away. Larry was born April 8, 1949, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, to Norman E. and Ann Reddick Vandiver. He was a 1967 graduate of Cape Central High School. Stationed in Japan during the Vietnam War, Larry honorably served in the U.S. Air Force. His successful career with Burlington Northern Railroad was cut short due to a horrific auto accident, and sadly he lived as a paraplegic the past 38 years. Larry had no children, but he thoroughly enjoyed watching old westerns and syfy movies. His sister, Pam, got him addicted to coloring apps on his phone. Larry never lost his sense of humor and always loved to entertain his visitors with jokes. To cherish his memory, Larry leaves two siblings, Norman E. Jr. (Walli) Vandiver of Wichita, Kansas and Pam Vandiver of Cape Girardeau; nieces, Tammy (Robert) Gunnell, Taryn (Phillip) Odler, and Stacy Loenneke; nephew, Msgt Scotty A. (Lisa) Miget; great-nieces and great- nephews, Jesse, Colin, Ethan, Alex, Katy, Kayla, and Addie; paternal uncle, Roy Jr. (Bonnie) Vandiver; maternal aunts, Naomi (the late Paul) Hulsey; and Charlotte (the late Howard) Reddick; and a maternal uncle, Homer "Frog" (the late Andrea "Andi") Black. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family will honor Larry with a private service and inurnment at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery. Memorials may take the form of contributions to Paralyzed Veterans of America at https://secure.pva.org. Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Larry's obituary at mccombsfuneralhome.com.