Larry “Crusher” Conant, 73 Of St. Louis, Missouri Larry Conant, affectionately known as “Crusher,” passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 1, 2025, at the age of 73, due to a brain bleed. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and devoted girlfriend. Born April 9, 1952 in Birmingham, Alabama, Larry was the sonContinue Reading
Larry “Crusher” Conant, 73
Of St. Louis, Missouri
Larry Conant, affectionately known as “Crusher,” passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 1, 2025, at the age of 73, due to a brain bleed. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and devoted girlfriend.
Born April 9, 1952 in Birmingham, Alabama, Larry was the son of the late Lawrence “Bud” Conant, Sr. and Mary Cleve Lund Conant. He studied at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), where he earned his teaching degree. Larry’s passion for education and people led him to teach in both Australia and Missouri. He had a special fondness for teaching youth that were struggling within the traditional education system. Larry later earned his master’s degree in counseling. He dedicated much of his career to helping others as a school psychological examiner and Licensed Professional Counselor. He also made time to volunteer as a mental health professional for the Red Cross’ disaster response team.
Larry was a proud father, a devoted grandfather, and a loyal brother. He is survived by his brother, John Conant; his daughters, Caysea Dachroeden of Columbia, Missouri, and Coral Conant Gilles (David Conant Gilles) of Madison, Wisconsin; his cherished grandchildren, Rayleigh, Keller, and Nora (Caysea), and Kieran and Sage (Coral); his ex-wife Kris Conant who remained family; and his girlfriend Jenny Wanner.
A true advocate for the environment and a Master Naturalist with the Great Rivers chapter, Larry found joy outside. He spent much of his free time hiking, camping, birdwatching, and kayaking. He generously gave his time as a volunteer to so many organizations it is hard to track them all. At the time of his death, these included: The Missouri Department of Conservation, especially Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, The Audubon Center at Riverlands, Open Space STL, especially at Spanish Lake County Park, Spanish Lake Clean and Green, and many others. For his dedication to conservation and the environment, Larry was honored with resolutions by Spanish Lake and the State of Missouri.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Larry’s honor at the Audubon Center at Riverlands on Saturday, August 30th at 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial walk at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the organizations and lands Larry loved, including Columbia Bottom Conservation Area at Missouri Department of Conservation, Spanish Lake County Park through Open Space STL, and The Audubon Center at Riverlands, or a conservation organization of your choice — in honor of Larry’s lifelong commitment to preserving the natural world. Donations made in person at the Celebration of Life ensure your funds go directly to the local organizations. If you cannot attend, donations can also be made at the links above.
Please follow Larry’s CaringBridge for updates and to share condolences.
If you would like to send cards you may send them to:
Larry Conant’s Family
℅ Coral Conant Gilles
PO Box 258012
Madison, WI 53725
Larry will be remembered for his genuine smile, storytelling, generosity, and deep love for the earth and those around him. He will be deeply missed by many.
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