Springfield Little Theatre mourns the passing of Lawrence “Larry” Ollis, a devoted leader, longtime supporter, and one of the most influential figures in the organization’s history. Larry passed away on October 10, 2026, at the age of 95, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the importance of live theatre in our community.

For more than five decades, the historic Landers Theatre has stood as the permanent home of Springfield Little Theatre. Its magnificent architecture, cherished traditions, and countless performances have become inseparable from the cultural identity of Springfield. Yet, the future of this beloved landmark might have been very different were it not for Larry Ollis.

Larry served as President of Springfield Little Theatre’s Board of Directors from 1965 to 1967, providing leadership during a period of tremendous growth and change. At the time, the organization had spent more than three decades producing live theatre in borrowed and rented spaces throughout Springfield, always searching for a permanent home.

In 1969, when Springfield Little Theatre learned that its longtime performance space at Drury College would soon become unavailable, the need for a home of its own became urgent. Larry was appointed chairman of the committee tasked with finding one.

As documented in Kara DeBacker’s THE LANDERS: BIOGRAPHY OF A THEATER, Larry had long recognized the potential of the historic downtown playhouse. Originally opened in 1909, The Landers had spent decades operating primarily as a movie theatre and had fallen into considerable disrepair. When Fox Midwest announced plans for a new movie theatre at Battlefield Mall, Larry recognized an opportunity.

Undeterred by initial resistance, he pursued the possibility of purchasing The Landers, contacting company leadership, writing letters, and working closely with local theatre management. His determination, alongside the efforts of fellow theatre leader Virgil Anderson and the Springfield Little Theatre Board, ultimately helped make the dream a reality.

In the summer of 1970, Springfield Little Theatre purchased The Landers Theatre for $100,000 and began a $50,000 restoration effort, supported by the generosity of the Springfield community. What had been a deteriorating movie house was once again transformed into a home for live performance.

Appropriately, the first production presented by Springfield Little Theatre in its new home was THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, the very play that launched the organization in 1934. Larry himself appeared in the production, taking the stage in the theatre he had worked so tirelessly to secure.

Eight years later, on May 3, 1978, Larry and Virgil Anderson returned to the Landers stage for another historic occasion: the ceremonial burning of the theatre’s mortgage, marking the fulfillment of a dream that once seemed nearly impossible.

Larry’s dedication extended well beyond the purchase of the building. Alongside his beloved wife of 56 years, Fay Vandivort Ollis, he remained a steadfast advocate for Springfield Little Theatre and the preservation of its remarkable history. Together, they purchased a portrait of the theatre’s original namesake, John Landers, at auction and donated it to the organization. That portrait continues to greet patrons in the Landers lobby today, a lasting reminder of their thoughtful generosity.

Fay, who passed away in April 2026, was the daughter of Springfield Little Theatre’s legendary matriarch, Frances Vandivort. Together, the Vandivort and Ollis families helped shape generations of theatrical tradition, preserving not only a historic building but also the community spirit that continues to define Springfield Little Theatre.

In January 2026, Springfield Little Theatre had the distinct honor of welcoming Larry back to The Landers and The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts. Accompanied by his nephew Chris Ollis and great-nephew Campbell Ollis, Larry toured the facilities with Executive Director and longtime friend Beth Domann, reflecting on the organization’s history and witnessing firsthand the extraordinary growth made possible by the decisions of his generation.

Standing inside the beautifully restored Landers Theatre, Larry was visibly moved by what he saw.

“I can’t believe how beautiful it is,” he said. “I am so proud of this organization and what it has accomplished.”

It was a particularly meaningful moment. More than 55 years after helping secure the building, Larry was able to witness the enduring success of the institution he had helped establish within its walls.

Beyond Springfield Little Theatre, Larry was a respected businessman, a veteran of the United States Army, and a dedicated civic leader whose service reached numerous organizations throughout Springfield. His commitment to his hometown reflected a lifelong belief that strong communities are built by those willing to invest their time, talents, and resources in something greater than themselves.

Larry Ollis did more than help Springfield Little Theatre purchase a building. He helped give an organization a future. He helped preserve a historic landmark. And he helped create a place where generations of volunteers, performers, students, and audiences could discover the remarkable power of live theatre.

Today, every curtain that rises at The Landers, every audience that fills its seats, and every young performer who steps onto its stage is part of the legacy Larry helped make possible.

Springfield Little Theatre extends its deepest sympathies to the Ollis family and joins the greater Springfield community in remembering a remarkable man whose contributions will never be forgotten.

Larry and Fay Ollis gave Springfield Little Theatre something extraordinary: a place to call home. For that, we will be forever grateful.