Larry Kirk Bost, 57, passed away this week after a lengthy illness. 

He was born in Ripley on Dec. 31, 1956, to William Sr. and Elaine Bost.

He is survived by his son, Josh (Christina) Bost, with grandsons Hunter and Preston, and son Zach (Katie) Bost, expecting grandson number three, Micah, in November. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill Jr. (Diane) of Vicksburg, and Steven (Gail) of Nashville, Tenn.; sisters Bonnie (Mike) Lasker of Birmingham, Ala., Suzanne (Gary) Thompson of Mound City, Kan., and Julie (Travis) Ferguson of Batesville; brother-in-law Mike Nix of Huntsville, Ala.; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Beth Nix, and his father, William.

Larry grew up in Starkville as the fifth of seven children.

His formative years were spent on the family farm caring for livestock, riding horses, and rabble-rousing in the countryside of Oktibbeha County. He spent most of his time looking up to, and trying to emulate, his father and two brothers, Bill and Steve.

Larry was a member of Mensa, a visionary artist, a lover of music, and a certified country boy. He was a proud graduate of Starkville Academy in 1974 and attended Mississippi State University as a member of Kappa Alpha Order.

In his 20s, Larry started and oversaw numerous small businesses and design firms in the Starkville area. Throughout his life, Larry spent any extra time he had putting to use his unbelievable artistic talents.  He created numerous line drawings, watercolors, oil paintings, and computer designs, some he made to sell or give away, but most he made for the joy of the creation.

Larry became a father in 1982, and the remainder of his life was spent teaching, coaching, mentoring, and cheering on not only his sons, but hundreds of other boys and girls in Starkville.

He also spent as much time as he had on nights and weekends to instill in his boys a lifelong love for Mississippi State athletics. He devoted countless hours to making sure everyone had all of the information they needed to make the perfect swing, kick, pitch, or shot.

Life revolved around the sport of the season. There was never a time when one of his boys was not in sports, so family vacations became traveling for baseball or soccer tournaments, tailgating for Mississippi State football, or grilling in the left field lounge while cheering on the Diamond Dawgs.

Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m., Oct. 7, 2014 at Welch Funeral Home, Starkville, with services to follow at 10:30. Donations may be offered to Crawfish for Cancer, or Wounded Warrior Project on his behalf.

People can go online and leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.