Larry K. “Cotton” Gayler, the son of Ralph Dean and Eva Mae (Millsap) Gayler, was born December 16, 1946, in Hamburg, Iowa. Larry attended Rock Port High School, Rock Port, Missouri, graduating in 1964. He then attended Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri, for two years.

In November of 1966, Larry enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country during the Vietnam War and received his honorable discharge in December of 1970.

Larry flew a crop duster in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri until the late 1970s. In the winters, he drove a truck for several different companies. Larry was a local and over the road truck driver for over 40 years before retiring.

Larry was a member of the First Lutheran Church and Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port. Larry passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, at the age of 73.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Eva (Millsap) Gayler. Survivors include father, Ralph Gayler; brother, Ronald (Barbara) Gayler, Youngsville, Louisiana; nieces, Erin (Jason) Jones, Austin, Texas, Jessie (Corey) Morgan, Youngsville, and nephew, Randy Gayler, Joplin, Missouri; numerous other nieces and nephews.

A graveside service and inurnment were held Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port, conducted by Rev. Franz Brandenburg. Memorials may be directed to the Larry “Cotton” Gayler Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.