Lawrence Jewell Gier, Jr. “Larry” was born on June 4, 1945, in Cairo, Illinois, and was raised in Charleston, Missouri, where he attended St. Henry Catholic School and began building the strong foundation of faith, character and work ethic that would define his life.
As a young man, he worked a variety of jobs, including time on the barges and at the local IGA grocery store. It was there that he met the love of his life, Vicki Bridges. Their meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful love story that would span over 60 years of marriage—years filled with devotion, partnership, and unwavering love.
He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, carrying that same sense of duty and strength throughout his life. He went on to dedicate 37 years to the railroad as a locomotive engineer, a career that reflected his reliability, discipline, and steadfast nature.
A man of faith, he was a devoted member of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, where he served for many years as part of the “Monday Morning Crew,” always willing to lend a hand and do whatever was needed. His quiet service and commitment leaves a lasting impact on his church family.
He was the rock of his family—a man of integrity, strength, and kindness who influenced countless lives. He loved deeply and gave freely, always putting his family first. He is survived by his beloved wife, Vicki; his children, Bryan (Susan Schaefer) Gier, Elizabeth (Omar) Hadi and Sarah (John) Budde; his grandchildren Cortnie (Will), Madison (Ermal), Jude, Adam, Mason and the late Cody, and Jake, Josh and Emma; his great grandchildren Willey, Gracie Lou, Piper, Erabella and Lenna, along with countless bonus children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Loretta Gier; siblings Maureen, Daniel and Leann; and grandson Cody Budde. He was cherished as Husband, Brother, Dad, Pop, Uncle, Great Uncle, and Friend.
He had a gift for bringing joy to others. He loved joking and kidding with people, and his contagious laugh could light up any room. For 20 years, he brought that same joy to others by volunteering as “Santa Claus” at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin TX, as well as locally, creating special memories for so many children and families.
He and Vicki shared a love of travel and camping, building a lifetime of memories together. Their home was always a place of warmth and welcome—a gathering place filled with laughter, celebrations, and the comfort of a good home-cooked meal at “Pop’s Greasy Spoon,” including traditional “Tuesday Night Dinners” with Nana and Pop.
He will be remembered for his strength, his unwavering love for his family, his servant’s heart, and the joy he brought to those around him. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.
Services: Visitation on Monday, April 27, 4-8 p.m. Funeral at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. on Tuesday, April 28, 12:30pm, with procession to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, the church Larry and Vicki love so much.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Larry. Prayers for Vicki and family. I remember all the good times we had in Bit-O-Heaven. 🙏🙏🙏
My deepest condolences on the loss of “Pop” he was the most sincere compassionate genuine men, that I have ever had the privilege of meeting in this world. To Vicki, Bryan, Beth, Courtney, and Sarah and the rest of his family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate this difficult time. He was one of kind and will never be forgotten.
He has always been the man I looked up to and still do and strive to be like can’t thank God enough for having uncle Larry and Vicky in are lives 🙏 ❤️
We were so sorry to hear about Larry passing. We had many great times with him and Vicki. Sending prayers for Vicki and his family . RIp Larry
Great guy to work with on the railroad. I probably spent over 2 and one half years on jobs with him between 1980 and 1998. Always in a good mood snd a pleasure to know him and Vickie, R<I<P< My friend
Condolences to you and the family!! sending lots of love and hugs! You have an angel watching over you!!
Thoughts and prayers of condolence. May the many warm memories of your time together bring your family comfort as God holds you in the palm of His loving hand and surround you with a hedge of protection and peace.
Larry and my brother Ray were classmates at St Henry High School, Class of 1964, & enlisted in the USMC and left for Boot Camp on the same date after graduation. Ray left us in 2022. Prayers for the Gier family.
Semper Fi, Marines!
Vicki, words cannot express the sorrow of the passing of Larry. When we were young cousins we had a great time being together but as time went by we put a distant from each other. I will always cherish the fond memories of our youth. Even though Sally and I will not be able to attend the service our love and prayers are on going for you and your family.
Love Max and Sally.
Larry was one of my teachers when I was learning the craft of becoming a locomotive engineer. He was very good at our profession. A strong union man and just a great guy to work with. Gail and I had some great memories of spending time with the Gier family at the pool and bbq parties. Thoughts and prayers to the Gier family.
Larry was Amy neighbor. I often passed his house as I walked my dogs. When outside, we always chatted and he was friendly and warm. Even though I didn’t know his wife Vicki well, I could see the deep love they shared. I will miss seeing him on my walks so much and will remember him fondly. Sending my deepest condolences to all who loved him.