Lawrence Louis "Larry" Grotha Jr. passed away Thursday January 24, 2013 at the University Hospital in Columbia, Mo. following a sudden illness. He was 61 years, 1 month and 18 days of age.

Larry Grotha, as he was known by his family and friends, was born December 6, 1951 at Waynesville, Mo., the son of Lawrence Louis Sr., and Betty Jane (Malone) Grotha.

Larry Grotha is survived by his mother Jane Grotha of St. James, sister and brother-in-law: Susan and Les Bennington of Glenrock, Wyoming. Nephews: Buck (Jayme) Bennington of Laurel, Montana., and Jeremy and wife Nicole Bennington of Castlerock, Colorado and their children.

Larry Grotha graduated from John F. Hodge High School and completed Vo Tech Training in Rolla, Mo. He spent 5 years in Wyoming working the oil fields and as a plumbers assistant. He then returned to St. James and worked for MFA. He spent the last years of his life helping on the family farm and caring for his mother. Larry Grotha enjoyed hunting and the outdoors. He was active in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. James and also the Knights of Columbus.

Larry Grotha is preceaded in death by his father Lawrence Grotha who entered into rest in 2008.

Services
Larry Grotha will lie in state Sunday from 6-8 PM January 27, 2013 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James. Prayer Service will be conducted at 5:30 PM Sunday.

Funeral Mass will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday January 28, 2013 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. James with Father Charles Pardee officiating. Helen Cornick will be the vocalist with Estelle Grotha at the organ. Pallbearers will be Randy Ray, Don Hughes, Jeremy Bennington, Kenneth Chitwood, Don Moore and Danny Webster. Honorary pallbearers will be Les Bennington, Buck Bennington and Brian Webster. Burial will be next to his father at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Cemetery in St. James. Memorials may be given to the Knights of Columbus Council #3228.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.