Lawrence "Larry" William Schepker

Lawrence “Larry” William Schepker, 77, of Jefferson City, passed on to his Heavenly rewards on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

He was the son of Lawrence Edward and Irene Agnes (Wekamp) Schepker.

Larry loved his wife and high school sweetheart, Carolyn Hackman, to whom he was married for 55 years.   She preceded him in death (but not in love) on July 29, 2022.  He loved his family, and he enjoyed spending time with both of his children, their spouses; and especially his four grandchildren.  He looked forward to the special family traditions that Carolyn always planned like Christmas weekend at Crown Center in Kansas City, including a stop for the whole family to talk to Santa.  The summer trips to the beaches of the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. And the weekly Central Dairy date nights, to name only a few.

A life-long resident of Jefferson City, Larry graduated from St. Peter’s Grade School in 1961 and from Helias High School in 1965. While Carolyn held a full-time job; Larry worked part-time and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Economics from Lincoln University in 1969. Between his Sophomore and Junior year in the summer of 1967, they were married at the Cathedral of St Joseph when the temporary church was on the first floor of the new school building. Upon graduation, Larry and Carolyn moved to St. Louis where he worked for Famous-Barr in retail management. As a graduate of ROTC at Lincoln, he entered the Army in 1970 where he served as a lieutenant for 2 years during the Vietnam War Era.

After military service, they returned home to Jefferson City where Larry worked as an Accounting Analyst for then, State Auditor Christopher (Kit) Bond. He then served in the State Budget Office of newly elected Governor Bond. While working full-time for the State, with Carolyn’s help and support, Larry earned a Master of Science Degree in Public Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In Governor Bond’s second term, Larry served 5 years as Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture.

He left State Government to serve as Director of Financial Development for the Jefferson City Catholic Diocese for 5 years and as President of the Missouri Colleges Fund for 15 years. He returned to State employment in 2005 when Governor Matt Blunt appointed him State Budget Director. In 2008, Governor Blunt appointed Larry Commissioner of Administration for the Office of Administration (a position and department created while Larry was part of a special team working for Governor Bond to reorganize Missouri state government in 1972). Prior to his retirement in February of 2013, Larry served for 4 years as Director of the Appropriations Staff for the Missouri House of Representatives.

Though Larry’s career was distinguished, his greatest pride and achievements in life were his 55-year marriage to his loving wife Carolyn who was a remarkable mother to their amazing daughter Holly, an elementary school teacher for 29 years affecting thousands of lives and their remarkable son Scott, who has been an emergency room physician for 18 years, also affecting thousands of lives.  However, as proud as Larry was of his wife and children, he held an incredibly special place in his heart for his four grandchildren: Ryan, Jacob, Jackson and Lillian.

He was also survived by two sisters, Donna Kay Pipes, Hallsville; and Dolores Ann Ray Clingman, Jefferson City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Carolyn, and two brothers-in-law, Bobby Pipes, and Wayne Clingman.

Larry was an avid fan of Helias Catholic High School sports teams, the St Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs.  He really enjoyed playing golf with his friends Paul, Allen and Steve.

Larry was a member of the Cathedral of St Joseph Parish and had served on the Parish Finance Committee. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1054; a past member of the Helias Foundation Board of Directors and the Jefferson City Rotary West Club.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with the Rev. Michael A. Coleman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Helias Catholic High School or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com