Larry Claude Baggerly passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1939 to Claude and Evelyn Baggerly. He lived in Kansas City throughout his life and graduated from Northeast High School in 1957. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961 and later served his community as a Kansas City, Missouri firefighter.

Larry continued his education at UMKC, where he earned a master’s degree in Romance Languages. He went on to become an instructor at Johnson County Community College, where he taught Spanish from 1969 until his retirement in May 1999. His love of language, learning, and teaching left a lasting impact on many students over the years.

Larry married Pam Baggerly in 1983. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, travel, family, and many cherished memories. They enjoyed traveling together, visiting 49 states and taking cruises. More than anything, Larry and Pam loved time with their grandchildren, and the moments they shared together were among their greatest joys. Family was never defined by titles for Larry. When he married Pam, he lovingly welcomed her children into his life and loved them as his own.

Larry was a wise, kind, and compassionate man. He was outgoing, talkative, and no one was a stranger to him. He loved talking with anyone and could relate to people from all walks of life. He also had a soft heart for animals, which reflected the gentle and caring side so many people loved about him. Everyone seemed to have a nickname from Larry, and that was part of his charm.

He was one of the smartest men his family knew, with a lifelong love of learning, language, and conversation. Larry appreciated the simple things in life — a good meal, a good book, his daily crossword puzzle, and the comfort of a familiar routine. He especially loved speaking Spanish and always enjoyed finding someone who could share a conversation with him in the language he loved so much.

Larry was hardworking and strong, always working on a project around the house. His family was deeply important to him, and he showed his love through his steady presence, humor, conversations, and the way he cared for the people around him.

Larry was preceded in death by his son, Nicholas Baggerly; his parents, Claude and Evelyn Baggerly; and his sisters, Vicky Stratton and Barbara Bratton.

He is survived by his wife, Pam Baggerly; his daughters, Angie Baggerly, Diane Zulcic, Jane Streit, Amy McMickle, and Mary Beth Majors; nine grandchildren, Louis Ferguson, Alan Zulcic, Deni Zulcic, Ashley Horn, Aaron Streit, Austin Streit, Alec Streit, Addison Majors, and Colby Majors; and two great-grandchildren, Lili Streit and Charlie Streit. He is also survived by his brothers, Harold Baggerly, Bill Baggerly, Bryon Baggerly, and Marshall Turner; and his sister, Janis Reichner.

Larry will be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, strength, love of family, and the many conversations, nicknames, and memories he gave to those who loved him.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 15, at Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice Donate - Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care in appreciation of the compassionate care they provided to Larry and his family, and in support of the many other families they serve.