Leland Lee Laramore

Leland Lee Laramore, 88, a longtime resident of Gladstone, MO, passed away on May 8, 2015. He was born July 30, 1926 in Courtois, MO. After serving in the Army Infantry in WWII, he moved to St. Louis where he met his future wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Garavaglia. They were married on May 30, 1953 and resided in an area of St. Louis known as ‘The Hill’ where their two children were born. In 1960, the family moved to Gladstone, MO to open a branch of Rose Exterminator Company. He later bought the company and renamed it to Laramore Pest Control.

Lee was involved in many organizations in the pest control industry and served two years as president of the Greater Kansas City Pest Control Association. He was also very active in the Gladstone community and was awarded the Missouri Municipal League Leadership award. He served 16 years on the Clay County Election Board, appointed by three governors (both Democrat and Republican), and was an honorary colonel in both of Gov. Warren Hearnes’ inaugurations. In later years, he was active in Neighbors Helping Neighbors, an organization which assists other Gladstone residents in need.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ollie Laramore and his brother, Elvin Laramore (Hazel). He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty; his daughter, Carol Thompson (Steve); his son, Kenneth Laramore (Michelle); his granddaughters, Alexis Medina (John Paul) and Tiffany Thompson; his brother, Harold Laramore (Bonnie); his sister, Ina Mae Setzer (Bill); his sister-in-law Rose Marie Milani; and many nieces and nephews. Lee was a devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 900 NE Shady Lane Dr, Gladstone, MO on Tuesday, May 12 from 6 to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held at the church on Wednesday, May 13 at 9 AM. He will be laid to rest at White Chapel Cemetery in Gladstone immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.