Larry Charles Rackers

Larry Charles Rackers, 68, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, February 7, 2013, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born November 30, 1944, in Jefferson City, the oldest son of the late Lawrence H. and Lottie Marie (Branch) Rackers. Larry was a 1963 graduate of Helias High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree and his Master's degree in Business Administration from Lincoln University, graduating Cum Laude in 1980. Larry proudly served in the United States Army beginning in 1968 during the Vietnam War, where he was a computer operator for two years. Larry was employed with the Missouri Department of Social Services, Division of Welfare, where he was a programmer and systems analyst for 40 years. The Missouri Governor honored Larry for his success in leading and completing both the WIC and Y2K IT projects. Larry was an avid gardener and he enjoyed taking his produce from his garden and sharing it with his mother's friends at Hyder Apartments. He also enjoyed fishing, playing golf, hunting, and horseback riding. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his four grandchildren. He is survived by two daughters: Jeanna Rackers of Wardsville and Erika Slicker (husband Brad) of Jefferson City; four siblings: Stan Rackers of Jefferson City, Gnell Bruemmer (husband Earl) of Wardsville, Debra Scott of Overland Park, Kansas, and Mark Rackers (wife Cindy) of Wardsville; four grandchildren: Shelby Rackers, Dylan Rackers, Addison Slicker and Joseph Slicker; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, February 10, 2013, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, with a prayer service to be held at 1:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 11, 2013, at the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville, with Fr. Ignazio C. Medina officiating. Internment with full military honors will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Wounded Warriors Fund or St. Jude Children's Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com