Larry Dean Wille, 80, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at his home.

Larry was born November 28, 1942, in Warrensburg, to Lawrence Wille and Lena (Keith) Wille.  Larry graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1961.  He served in the Army National Guard from 1964-1969.  He married Treva Whitfield in February, 1965.  Larry began a career in auto body repair and they added their son, Dean Wille, to their family in 1975.  He opened Wille's Body Shop in 1980 and retired over 25 years later.

Treva and Dean spent endless evenings and weekends with Larry at the body shop, enjoying their family hobby, dirt track stock car racing.  Larry taught Dean all about racing as the family raced in Jefferson City, Bolivar, and Lakeside Speedway.  Some of his final words were, "I am always proud of Dean," when hearing how the races went at CMS Saturday night, just 2 short days before he passed away.  Larry admired his many antique cars over the years, but his '53 Ford and '58 Nash Metropolitan Convertible remained his favorites.

Larry was a devoted grandfather to Courtney and Claire.  He was happiest when they were together, especially if it also involved a golf cart ride with ice cream or at the dirt track watching Dean race.  He acquired his title of "Crappa'' when they were little.  If you knew Larry, you knew how well earned that title was.

Larry is survived by his son: Dean Wille (Crista); two granddaughters: Courtney Wille and Claire Wille; Goddaughters: Lisa Hill and Krisi Ward; brother: Lyndon Wille; nephew: Aaron Wille; and nieces: Jodi Burket and Lori Hoyler.  He is preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2023 at Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg with Chaplain John Phillips officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg. Pallbearers will be Ted Sellman, Rick Swisher, James McMillin, Ryan Roberts, Chad Eickleberry, and Bill Ennis.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Warden, Shawn Guinn, Bryce McMillin, John Harding, and Steve Edson.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hope Anthem Church (Ottawa, Ks), Courtney Wille Missions Fund.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net