The Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets, faculty and staff gathered on MMA’s front campus on Wednesday, March 16 to remember and honor Mr. Larry Anthony. Anthony was a valued member of the Academy for 37 years, serving faculty, staff and cadets through his work in the maintenance department. He passed away on Feb. 8, 2022.

“Larry was a selfless individual who did everything possible to support staff, faculty and cadets,” said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “He was a wonderful example for every employee at the Academy and had an impeccable work ethic. He will truly be missed.”

MMA was honored to have the Anthony family in attendance as the corps paid tribute with a special formation in his memory. He was married for 37 years to Nancy Smith, and they had one son, Justin Anthony (Crystal), of Mexico and two daughters, Regina Smith, of Mexico, and Stephanie Anthony, of the Lake of the Ozarks. 

During the memorial formation, MMA director of facilities Bernard Strunk reflected on the positive impact Larry had upon the Academy, cadets, faculty and staff.

“From the Canteen to the Old Alamo and from A Barracks to Barnard Hall, Larry’s fingerprints could be seen in the jobs and projects that were part of his responsibilities. However, it is not the physical plant that is Larry’s legacy, because buildings fade and new ones come. His legacy is impressed in the hearts of the faculty and staff whom he served and the cadets he worked around,” said Strunk. “For Larry, being at MMA was more than a paycheck. He truly enjoyed being a part of something lasting, something bigger than himself .. Ultimately it is in the lives of the cadets where Larry’s indelible mark can be found. Larry had a heart for the lonely, the underdog, and the little ones. He would speak with them to encourage them on their journey at MMA. Not as an authority figure or part of their chain of command but as a friend with a ready ear to listen.”

The MMA school colors flew at half-mast on Wednesday, March 16 in his honor.