JT LaRose

James Thomas “JT” LaRose, age 83, of Urbana, Missouri, entered the gates of heaven on December 25, 2024, at his home surrounded by his beloved family. JT was born on January 15, 1941, in Urbana, Missouri, to the late Louie and Ada (Dryer) LaRose. As a young boy, JT was saved by the grace of God. He joined Mission Ridge Church and was baptized. He later joined Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a faithful member and deacon until the time of his passing. It was important to Karen and JT to raise their family in church, and they did just that. JT loved to bring the grandkids with him to church and share with them the assurance and everlasting life that can be found only through the blood of Jesus Christ. It is because of this assurance that we find peace knowing that JT is home with the Lord, waiting on the day for us all to join him. JT was united in marriage to Karen Jean Kays on December 24, 1961, by Brother Lee Howard. JT worked for the phone company in Granby, Missouri until 1963, when he and Karen returned home to Urbana, Missouri, where they built their life together. He continued to work for a local phone company until he broke away and worked for himself, installing home phone lines for members of his community. When JT was not at work or church, you could find him in the woods or near the water. He loved to hunt quail, pheasant, turkey, deer, squirrel, and made a trip to Colorado to Elk Hunt. He enjoyed teaching and helping the grand kids to hunt, trap, and fish. He enjoyed fishing trips with friends and always came home with plenty of catfish and stories to share. JT raised and trained bird dogs who served as his and many others hunting companions for countless hunts. JT loved to share stories around the table playing pitch. He also enjoyed to play pool and often played pranks on his family, a trait he passed down to the next generation. JT was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Glen LaRose, May Nunn, Shorty Green, Louis LaRose, and one infant brother. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Karen LaRose, children Robin Cornelison and husband Darren, Tim LaRose and wife Alex, Shelly Johnson and husband David, Kevin LaRose, and Mindy McCowan and husband Charlie, 15 grandchildren: Angela, Brandon, Brady, Brianna, Conner, Maddie, Derek, Faith, Codey, Gracie, Josie, Lauren, Kamryn, Dillon, and Devin, ten great grandchildren; Kaelin, Trey, Gunner, Landon, Brynlee, Lindley, Zane, Zoey, Esme, and Rylee, as well as numerous beloved extended family members, church family, and beloved friends. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be give to Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. Services are scheduled for 11 am on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home in Urbana, Missouri, with Brother Kip Baker officiating. A time of visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 am. JT will be laid to rest at Mission Ridge Cemetery near Urbana, Missouri, with Brandon Glor, Brady LaRose, Conner LaRose, Derek Still, Codey Johnson, Dillon McCowan, Devin McCowan, Jeff Reed, and Brylie Turner serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Geore Urie, Bob Rish, Dale Nunn, Larry Glor, Alvin Dryer, and Jerry Glor. Arrangements are under the direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Urbana, Missouri.

JT LaRose

January 15, 1941 - December 25, 2024