June 20, 1950 – February 12, 2026
Larry Howard Jones, age 75, passed away on February 12, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, on June 20, 1950, to Howard and Doris Jones. He graduated from Pittsburg State in 1973 with a Music Education Degree. His love for music began early in life and continued throughout his career, serving as music minister in 5 churches for 52 years.
Larry had a profound love for God and a deep religious commitment. His faith was reflected in every connection he made, every day of his life. The way he conducted himself, along with his unwavering approach to each person he met, proved that the light of God shines through those who believe. He put a smile on the face of everyone, young and old, and was genuinely concerned and invested in other people. He saw them as more than they saw themselves, giving to them without question, never saying no to anyone in need of a helping hand. He had an inherent gift for finding wonder in all things, big or small, and an enduring desire to share that wonder with the world.
Wherever Larry went, he was remembered. As a man, as a minister, as a husband and father, he gave of himself without exception. No matter who you were, he was continually committed to bringing joy to your life. Through humor he made you laugh, through affection he made you feel loved, and through his attentiveness he made you feel seen and heard. There was no limit to his generosity, no limit to his kindness, no limit to whatever sacrifice was needed to lift up those around him.
His dedication to others cannot be understated. One only needs to see the dedication and love he shared with his wife, Leah, to truly understand this truth. The love they shared was beautiful and organic. It was recognized, but rarely duplicated. Larry loved Leah to his core, and the exemplary life they built together is a shining beacon for all to see. It will continue to be a testament to what God intended when He commanded that two become one. Their legacy, and Larry’s memory, will forever be remembered.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, a sister-in-law, LaDonna Dalton, two brothers-in-law, Delbert Fluty and Dwight Youngberg, and a nephew, Scott Dalton.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Leah Jones, and his son, Matthew Jones. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Fluty, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren.
Pastor Tracy Roby will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 18th, at the Overland Park Baptist Church, 11648 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the church. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, February 19th in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Memorials are suggested to Overland Park Baptist Missions Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
