Harry Thomas Lamastres

Harry Thomas LaMastres, 87, of Independence, MO, passed away on Tuesday, January 18th. A visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, January 25th with a service on Wednesday, January 26th at 10am, both at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Interment with full military honors will follow at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens in Independence.

Harry was born in Scott City, Kansas on July 14, 1934, to parents Lawrence Smith LaMastres and Edna Ruth (Russell) LaMastres. Harry attended elementary and high school in Scott City, where he played basketball and ran track. In December 1953 he enlisted in the United States Army and attended basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas before transferring to Fort Bragg, North Carolina as part of the HQ Battery, 83rd Field Artillery Battalion. He trained in radio and telephone, installing cables, climbing poles, and training linemen in support of the heavy artillery. When his training was complete, many soldiers were going overseas, and Harry trained the 2nd Lieutenants before they were shipped out. He was made a Corporal and remained at Fort Bragg until his discharge in March 1956. After his service, he worked for a short time for the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company.

While he was home from the Army, Harry met Mae Stevenson, in what he always said was a “setup” by her sister Evelyn and brother-in-law Joe Strickler, while stacking haybales. (He said, “They didn’t really need my help.”) After a short courtship, Harry and Mae were married in Independence, Missouri in April 1956. They ran a carpet cleaning business in Independence, and Harry became a carpet layer, a profession he continued for 40-some years.

Harry and Mae raised three sons, Chris, Danny, and Larry at their home in Independence. After Mae’s retirement she and Harry moved to their lake house in Deepwater, Missouri where he enjoyed his passion for fishing and entertaining family and friends. Harry was a skilled carpenter, handyman, and a general “tinkerer” who enjoyed his workshop. He always had a variety of projects to work on.

Harry was an elder in the Community of Christ, attending the Village Heights Congregation, and later the Warsaw, Missouri congregation. He was a dedicated, faithful servant of Jesus Christ, always mindful of the needs of his brothers and sisters in Christ, and of the church building itself.

Harry is preceded in death by his wife Mae LaMastres; his son, Larry LaMastres; his parents Lawrence and Edna LaMastres; and brothers Dwayne (Dub), Ray, and Rex LaMastres.

Harry is survived by two sons: Harry C. LaMastres and wife Rebecca of Deepwater, Missouri; and Daniel G. LaMastres and wife Edith of Independence, Missouri; Three siblings, brother Howard LaMastres and wife Barbara of Wichita, Kansas; sister Dee Ann Troutman and husband Cecil of Florence, Colorado; and brother Mark LaMastres and wife Lisa of Garden City, Kansas; six grandchildren: Jeremy, Christopher, Andrew, Laura, Caleb, and Brennen; and three great grandchildren: Ashley Holmberg and husband Alec, Hannah LaMastres, and Arianna Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Warsaw Community of Christ; c/o Sue Stevens; 38097 Highway 65; Warsaw, MO 65335.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com
(Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)