Larry Miller Obituary

Larry Keith Miller, 80, was called home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at his beloved Two Bar M Ranch in Neely's Landing, surrounded by his loving wife Patricia "Patty" Miller and grandson Christopher Watson. It was fitting that we lost a true patriot who embodied the enduring spirit of the American West, a 21st-century cowboy, on the birthday of our great nation.
Born on September 22, 1944, to C.B. and Doris (Trickey) Miller, Larry spent his life deeply rooted in the land and lifestyle he cherished. After graduating from Jackson High School in 1962, he dove headfirst into farming and ranching-raising hogs, cattle, soybeans, corn, wheat, and hay. In 1973, he purchased the farm that would become the iconic Two Bar M Ranch, a legacy still thriving today.
Over the years, Larry wore many hats-literally and figuratively. He was a butcher, row crop farmer, a 20-year employee at Proctor & Gamble, property appraiser, owner of M & M Pallet Recycling, co-owner of Jones and Miller Trailer Sales, and a certified auctioneer. No matter the title, he gave each role his all, always guided by grit, integrity, and purpose.
On June 14, 2003, he married the love of his life, Patricia McLain, beginning 22 years of laughter, love, and partnership. They were inseparable, whether working side by side on the farm or dancing across the Midwest to their favorite "Twenty Step Sway." Larry and Patty found joy in country dancing, agricultural events, and every moment spent together. Their last trip this past May was to the Boots and Bling Banquet for Missouri Beef Days in Bolivar, where Larry received the Best Dressed award, which surprised no one!
Larry was an active community servant. He served as President of the SEMO Chapter of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association (2010-2013), helped organize the Special Olympics Annual Trail Ride, and contributed to numerous boards including the Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Extension Council, and SEMO District Fair, where he served as Beef Cattle Superintendent (2012-2019). He was also a proud Third Degree Mason of Masonic Excelsior Lodge 441, and a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, High Cotton Dance Club, and the NRA.
A passionate advocate for agriculture, Larry worked with legislators on both the state and national level. He was instrumental in Missouri's Right to Farm Constitutional Amendment in 2014, delivering the keynote speech at Flickerwood Arena. His advocacy earned him several honors, including Friend of the Farmer Award by Cape County Farm Bureau (2010), Lieutenant Governor's Senior Service Award (2018), and Cape Girardeau County Farm Family of the Year (2019).
Riding horses in fair parades was a tradition that Larry looked forward to every year. He proudly rode his horse Badger in the Altenburg Fair parade every year including the most recent in 2024. The SEMO fair parade was another tradition he honored, and he also rode Badger in the fireworks display at the Missouri Veterans Home.
Larry's legacy lives on in those who loved him deeply: his devoted wife Patty, sons Chris (Cindy) Miller and Kevin Miller, stepdaughter Aleeia Caldwell, grandchildren Christopher Watson, Ashley Stove, David (Breanna) Miller, Morgan Caldwell, Marieena Caldwell, great-grandchildren Taylor McClure, Leela Caldwell, and Bently, Cohen, Brycen, and Brooklyn Miller, brothers Chuck Miller and Jimmy Miller, sister Becky (David) Aubuchon, and his faithful horse, Badger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, C.B. and Doris Miller, and his brother, Bobby Miller.
The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday July 9, 2025, at Cape County Cowboy Church in Oak Ridge, where Larry and Patty are members.
The Revs. Jim Matthews and Charlie Mangels will conduct the funeral service at 10 a.m., on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the church. Burial will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.
McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.
The family suggests that contributions be made to the donor's choice of church or charity.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Larry's obituary at mccombsfuneralhome.com.
In life and legacy, Larry Keith Miller was-and always will be-a true American original.
"No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle." - Winston Churchill
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