Larry Gail Wilcox

Affectionately known as “Poppy,” “Pete,” and “Lucky” to some of his closest loved ones, everyone who knew and loved Larry Wilcox described him in much the same way: like a father, gentle, good, caring, smart, goofy, entertaining, and dependable – frugal to a fault, but generous to anyone who needed a helping hand – a foe to any fish, but a friend to any person.

Larry lived a life full of adventures and experiences that shaped who he was. If you asked him for a tale, he might tell you about his childhood as a “country boy” in Nixa, Missouri, milking the cows, tending the garden, and baling hay; spending hours with friends & cousins searching for arrowheads, hunting or fishing down by the river; cruising to town in his light blue 1954 Ford and teaching his sister to drive; and pretending to be Elvis Presley with his guitar!

Larry graduated from Nixa High School in 1960 where he was involved in FFA, choir, and softball – all interests he continued to enjoy his entire life. He graduated from SMS College in 1964 and was also part of the Ag Honor Society there. He loved to brag about his first “real job” inspecting milk at Hiland Dairy on Kearney Street.

His career led him to the Springfield Health Department and then into vet pharmaceutical sales at Anchor Serum Co., where he called on a small company named Central Feed Supply, later known as West Plains Veterinary Supply of Springfield (WPVS). Larry Wilcox joined this business in 1968, and soon became a proud Manager and Owner alongside his late business partner, Bill Lowe. WPVS continues to grow today guided by these two families, employing over 50 people and servicing a 7-state region – a truly remarkable legacy.

But Larry Wilcox was so much more than a businessman. He was a family man, a treasured husband, immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, sister, and nephew, and always excited to get together with his parents and his many (so many!) aunts, uncles, and cousins for a big reunion, cookout, holiday or special occasion.

His life was also enriched by community involvement – most notably as an active Shriner and Chanter at Abou Ben Adhem in Springfield in the 70s and 80s, as well as a charter member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Nixa and a member of the Nixa School Board in the 90s. Larry was also blessed with opportunities to travel the country and the world, visiting some exciting places in his lifetime, including Australia, Switzerland, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii – though he loved to share stories about his most memorable outdoor excursions to Canada with his best friends!

Still, Larry’s fishing accomplishments across all his years might outnumber any other. From the Finley River to EVERY Missouri lake to the exotic waters of Brazil, Larry was more than avid – he was a humble pro. He loved to enter bass tournaments for any reason - fun, competition, or charity - with countless big wins under his belt in the Heartland Pro-Am circuit, Shriners, Buddy Bass, Guys & Gals, and many more.

However, nothing in the world made Larry happier than weekends at “the cabin,” hosting guests and taking his family, neighbors, employees, and friends out on the lake. Larry loved to boat, swim, and play ski instructor or fishing guide; he was always excited to help someone else ride the wake or net their own big catch of the day. And when the sun started setting, Poppy’s cornmeal fried fish was the feast nobody wanted to miss, cooked with an endless supply of love, pride, and Miller Lite (and plenty of taste-tester samples)!

How do you sum up a man with as many loved ones and cherished memories as Larry G. Wilcox? He was truly one-of-a-kind, never afraid to be himself, and always fair and kind to anyone he met. His faith in Jesus quietly guided him home, where he is free of pain and worry. He would ask us all to take care of one another, remember the good times we are so lucky to share, and cherish every single day we are given on this earth. “Happy Trails to you, until we meet again…”

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Wilcox; son, Kory (Elizabeth) Wilcox and his mother, Carla Wilcox; step-son, Brandon Tinnon; grandchildren, Oliver O'Neal, Avery O'Neal and their grandmother, Georgia Wilcox, grandchildren: Caedmon Wilcox, Dominic Wilcox, and Asher Wilcox; sister, Joretta (Gary Dye) Wilcox; nephew, Dr. Darren (Niesje) Plank; son-in-law, Shawn O'Neal; and many more cherished friends and family.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Mary Etta Wilcox; and his daughter, Kayla Wilcox O'Neal.

A funeral service for Larry Wilcox will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa with Pastor Bill Koch officiating.

Burial will follow at Delaware Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kory & Elizabeth Wilcox Family Advised Fund at Community Foundation of the Ozarks, to be used for the creation of an Agriculture and Animal Health Scholarship in Larry's memory.