Larry Tilton Housewright, 88, of La Harpe, Ill., passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026. He was born Aug. 11, 1937, at the LaHarpe Hospital, the son of Malcolm and Pauline Tilton Housewright. In October of 1964, he married Carol Jean Dillon Housewright. She preceded him in death in 1989. On Dec. 12, 2024, he married Clara Sedberry in LaHarpe. Also preceding him in death are his parents and one brother, William Housewright.
He is survived by his wife, daughter: Angela (Harley) Burr, son: Scott (Laura) Housewright; grandchildren: Alexander (Madelyn) Burr, Elaina Burr, Benjamin Burr and Lucas Housewright and one brother, Loy Housewright.
Larry was a life-long resident of La Harpe. He served one term as Alderman and one term as Mayor of La Harpe. He was a fourth generation building contractor and developed Park Lane housing development in LaHarpe. Larry worked in construction from the age of eleven until he was eighty years old. He farmed the family farms for 42 years, owned and operated the Tastee Freeze in La Harpe, when it was on the north side of Main Street. He also owned and operated a Western Auto hardware store on Main Street in La Harpe. He joined the Naval Reserves in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1963. In his later years, he drove a school bus for 18 years saying this was his “funnest” job. He loved the kids. Larry was an animal lover and was especially fond of all his cats Greggie, Bob, Tuffy and Fluffy. Also, an avid car collector, he loved convertibles the most and had five at one time.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in LaHarpe Cemetery with Rev. Lee Unger officiating.
Memorials may be made to The Barnicle Chapel Cemetery, in Steeleville, Missouri, where many of his ancestors are buried. Larry and family spent many years attending board meetings and assisting with the preservation of the cemetery.