Larry Dale Lochridge

Larry Dale Lochridge, 74, of Mexico, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at his home surrounded by family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 24th, at Kentucky Road Christian Church with Cody Adams officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Lick Creek Cemetery in Perry.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 23rd at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico.

Larry was born on September 6, 1951, in Mexico, the son of Henry Frank and Letha Pearl (Brandenburg) Lochridge. He graduated from Mexico High School in 1969. On October 20, 1971, he married Alberta Shoemate at Perry Baptist Church.

Larry and Alberta met while Larry was drag racing on Highway 15 in his 65 Chevy. He asked Alberta if he could give her a ride home to Perry and she said yes. It was the beginning of their love story. He would later joke with his girls, Angie and Patti, "I decided I couldn't beat 'em so I had to join them." He dedicated his career to serving his country and in law enforcement.

Larry was drafted into the United States Army on January 11, 1971. He served one year in Vietnam before returning to Colorado and was honorably discharged in 1973. Later that year, he joined the Missouri National Guard in Mexico, where he served until being medically retired following the events of September 11, 2001. Even after his retirement, he continued serving in the National Guard Reserves. Following his military service, Larry worked for the Audrain County Sheriff's Department, where he had also volunteered for many years.

Larry loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and snagging with his buddies. He also enjoyed camping, playing cards, spending time with his grandchildren, and cheering on his grandson, Chase at his soccer games. He took great pride in his 1990 Mustang 7-Up Limited Edition. An accomplished sharpshooter, Larry earned several awards in shooting competitions, including the Bianchi Cup. He was a member of the Mexico VFW and attended Kentucky Road Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Alberta Lochridge of Mexico; two daughters, Angie Stuart of Rush Hill and Patti (Travis) Adair of Columbia; five grandchildren, Britney Adair (fiancé Wil Schommer) of Columbia, Chase Adair of Columbia, Justin (Amber) Stuart of Rush Hill, Nick (Jacque) Stuart of Mexico, and Brendan Stuart of Columbia; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Linda (Mike) Nichols of Mexico; one brother-in-law, Jimmy (Deann) Shoemate of Monroe City; and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Letha Lochridge, his son-in-law, Bruce Stuart, and his uncle, Cecil Brandenburg.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Kentucky Road Christian Church. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.