Larry Edward Doran, 84, passed away on October 21, 2025.

Larry Edward Doran, 84 of Branson, entered into Heaven from Springfield, MO, on October 21, 2025. Larry was born on July 9, 1941, in Wichita, KS. His father was Richard and his mother was Beatrice Doran.

Larry grew up in Valley Center, Kansas outside of Wichita and graduated from Valley Center High School. He proudly served his country after high school, entering the United States Air Force.  His Air Force training took him to Yale University where he studied the Chinese language for a year. It was while he was stationed at Wichita Falls, TX, Larry met Karen Cohagan who was visiting her sister and brother-in-law, a fellow airman.  As Larry showed Karen around Wichita Falls, the two fell in love.  They were married on August 11, 1963 in Wichita, KS. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Larry worked as an administrator with IBM which took their family to many different locations in the US including Illinois, Kansas, Georgia, Florida and Nebraska.

Beyond his professional career, Larry found his truest expression through music. He was a gifted guitarist, leading his music group the Mellow D's, an apt play on his last name. He used his talent to not just entertain but serve others as well.  His melodies graced many stages, notably at senior living centers in Nebraska where he performed original sets each month, bringing joy and memories to countless residents. He loved the music scene in Branson and had resided here the last eight years.  He lovingly performed at the preshow of the Hot Hits Theater and the Branson Senior Center. Larry also used his talent at his church, First Church of the Nazarene in Branson.  He loved the Lord and was very involved with his church community.  He also held classes in the church fellowship hall to teach veterans to play the guitar as music therapy having taught 11 classes.

In his younger years, Larry had raced stock cars.  As his family came along, he transitioned to watching racing rather than racing himself and was a huge NASCAR fan.  He was a longtime fan of indoor soccer, Nebraska Football and Nebraska Girls Volleyball.  Larry also enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, especially to Utah, and being on the lake fishing in his pontoon boat.

He will be remembered for leading a life rich with love, music, and service to his country and community.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Richard & Beatrice Doran.

He will be deeply missed by his family: wife, Karen Doran of Branson; children, Richard Doran (Evie) of Apopka, FL, Lori Disposti of Oak Harbor, Ohio and Larry Dale Doran & wife Val of Sanford, FL; sisters, Vicky Crawford, Karen D. Doran and Roxie Doran all of Wichita, KS; and grandchildren, Tony, Dominic, Paul, Audrey, Natalie, Thomas, Austin, and Ryan. 

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm at First Church of the Nazarene, 300 W. Hensley St., Branson with Pastor Daniel Leibbrand officiating.