Larry Dean Case, 75

Larry Dean Case of Sparta, was born Aug. 8, 1935, in Auburn, Iowa to Edwin Delbert and Reva (Hocking) Case.  He passed away in his home Jan. 16, 2011, at the age of 75 years 5 months and 8 days.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Veryl and Mervin Case and one sister, Betty Jefferson.

He is survived by two sisters, Doris Elliott and husband, Albert, of Ava, and Nadine Lakey of Hernando, Miss.

Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Myrtle (Frye) Case, of the home in Sparta.  He is also survived by three sons, Jim Case and wife, Tammy, John Case and wife, Joyce, and Roger Case, all of Sparta; two daughters, Sandra Aldridge and husband Steve, of Oldfield, and Connie Pendergrass and husband, Steve, of Ozark.

Larry was blessed with 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren:  Travis and Tyler Aldridge; Amy Brown and Casey Berry; Kendra, Kayla and Garrett Case; Clint Case and wife Alex and Ashley Case; and Brandi and Kaylee Case.  His great-grandsons are Trey, Landon and Colton.  He is also survived by a host of other relatives and friends.

Larry graduated from Ava High School and his parents had a grocery store on the square in Ava.

Over the years Larry had jobs as foreman for the Highway Department, drove for Foremost Dairy, and drove long distance over the road.  He retired from Conco Quarries, Inc., but he most enjoyed his later years farming and raising cattle.

Larry was a deacon at Shady Grove Southern Baptist Church in Sparta, where he loved to hear the gospel in songs.  He was willing to help anyone in need and was a friend to all who knew him.

For many years his family enjoyed a skip day from work and school for an all-day four-wheeler ride ending with an evening barbeque.

His greatest joy was having his family home and took every opportunity to have them with him whether working or playing.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor Gil Spencer officiating.  Burial followed in Sparta Cemetery.  Visitation was from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until service time.