Lawrence Michael "LT" Tierney, 74, of rural Parsons, passed away peacefully at 11:41 p.m., Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. LT was having health issues, but his death was unexpected.
LT was born on April 6, 1949, to Clarence and Marie (Clark) Tierney in Pittsburg. He grew up in Pittsburg and attended Pittsburg schools graduating from Pittsburg High School in 1967.
LT loved his country. LT worked for the Federal Civil Service for 35 Years while with the Army Reserve. He volunteered for the military in 1968 with the United States Navy and served two tours in Vietnam. He ran PT boats in Vietnam and was a Brown Water Sailor. He was also deployed for one tour in Iraq. He spent two years on active duty and 38 years with the Army Reserve for a total of 40 years. LT retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. He received the following awards, just to name a few:
Bronze Star Medal with two stars
Two Meritorious Service Medals
Three Army Commendation Medals
Three Army Achievement Medals
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal, 3rd award
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device
Army Service Ribbon
Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon with a "5" device
Vietnam Service Ribbon for participation in five campaigns:
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI
TET 69 Counteroffensive
Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969
Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970
DA Sanctuary Counteroffensive
Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VII
Other Campaigns received during his deployment to Iraq:
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
LT enjoyed golfing. He really enjoyed teaching and golfing with his granddaughter, Ava Tierney. He enjoyed watching her play at the high school level.
In December LT was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. A form of cancer from handling Agent Orange in Vietnam. It was discovered in December and had settled in his lungs. He was hoping to make it to his 30th wedding anniversary in August.
LT married the love of his life, his rock, Carrie (Brooks) Main on August 26, 1994. She survives at home.
In addition to his wife, LT is survived by his sons, Jeff Tierney of Versailles, MO and Michael (Laura) Tierney; his daughter, Angela Tierney of Pittsburg, KS; his step-daughters, Jolene Main of Parsons, KS and Karla Lassen of Wichita; 11 grandchildren, Dustin Tierney of Versailles, MO, Trevor (Alysha Mettle) of Centralia, MO, Devon Franklin and Lucas Tierney of Pittsburg KS, Dillon and Tank Tierney of Pittsburg KS, Ava and Zoe Tierney of Parsons, KS, Syrus Clairmont and Ayden Main of Parsons, KS, Ace Lassen Parsons, KS; his sisters, Leah (Rip) Rippetoe of San Diego, CA, and Teresa VanTassel of Loma Linda, MO; and a brother, Chris Tierney of Pittsburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Marie Tierney; a brother, Bob Tierney; and a sister, Missy Toschi.
LT loved the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed watching them play. We are asking that everyone dress casual for the funeral and visitation by wearing their favorite Kansas City Chiefs attire and/or anything patriotic.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the St. John's Episcopal Church with Mother Sharon Billman officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery with military honors conducted by the US Army Reserves Color Guard and the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704 VFW. The family will receive friends at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 7 to 8 Friday evening. Memorials are suggested to the St. John's Episcopal Church, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
