Joseph Lawrence Stringfellow

Joseph Lawrence "Larry" Stringfellow, 57, died on Oct. 27, 2014, at his home in Topeka, Kan. Larry was born May 7, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, the son of William and Rosemary Stringfellow.

His family moved to Hampton, Va., in 1969. Growing up in Hampton, he was affectionately known as Spot by his friends. He graduated from Kecoughtan High School in 1976. He served in the United States Air Force as a pharmacy technician from May 1977, to May 1981, and was stationed at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas, 6/77-12/77; Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan, 1/78-12/79; and Loring AFB, Limestone, Maine, 1/80-5/81. He studied at World Evangelism Bible College, Baton Rouge, La., and Washburn University, Topeka, and worked as a CPhT at hospitals in Baton Rouge and Topeka.

Larry married Sharon Thoms on April 14, 1989, in Topeka, and blessed her with three children and 25 years of marriage. Larry was an example to his family and friends of loyalty, commitment and biblical servanthood as he graciously gave of himself to others in his home, church and community. He was a member at Topeka First Assembly where he served through the years in various capacities as an usher, van driver, Royal Ranger leader, youth leader, coffee shop ministry, Sunday School teacher, Junior Bible Quiz official and deacon. Since 1999, he volunteered at the Topeka Area Royal Family Kids Camp, a camp for foster children.

A friend recently wrote, the man was an incredible role model, counselor, servant leader, encourager, and friend. Larry Stringfellow could pacify the most turbulent of stormy personalities with his special brand of 'Jesus care' and uplift the most discouraged souls with his gentle unassuming empathy, squeeze of the shoulder, and listening ear. He showed me that touching people's lives was more about the power of love than mere words. He showed me to never judge a book by its cover. He showed me that people matter...all kinds He showed me that people are a worthwhile investment. He showed me that it is possible to be crazy in love with your wife, raise children, and still be a man of God. He showed me the value of showing appreciation.

Larry's parents precede him in death. He is survived by his wife and children, Christian Enoch Stringfellow (Chelsea Haney Stringfellow), Hannah Joy Chavez (Lucas Chavez), and Mary Grace Stringfellow. He is also survived by his sisters and their families, Cathy Jacobs (Kirk) and Jean Ann Morr (John), both of Hampton Va., and Patty Stringfellow (Michael Parsons) of Jacksonville, Fla.; and nephews, Austin Jacobs, Sean Jacobs, Evan Morr and Tyler Morr. He is also survived by his in-laws all of Topeka, Norman and Anna Thoms, Alice and Rik Krantz, and Gael and John Ostenson, and their children, Joeli Kranz, and Luke, Lydianna and Abigael Ostenson.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Topeka First Assembly of God Church, 500 S.W. 27th, Topeka. Guests may meet with the family following the service. In lieu of flowers, Larry would be honored to have memorial contributions made to the Topeka Area Royal Family Kids' Camp, online at http://topeka.royalfamilykids.org/donations/ or by sending checks marked Kids in Need to 3457 S.W. Jardine Terrace, Topeka, 66611.