Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th

Lawrence, Kansas

Larry Hess Obituary

Memorial services for Larry M. Hess, 64, Lawrence will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 11, 2018, at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts Street in Lawrence. He passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 8, 2018, at his home.

Larry was born July 18, 1953, in Lawrence, Kansas the son of Albert and Helen (McCall) Hess.

He married Catherine Winters on December 1, 1973, in Lawrence, Kansas. She survives of the home. They were friends from his age of 12, dated off and on throughout junior high and high school.

Other survivors include his parents, Albert and Helen Hess; his children, Jacob Hess (Eva Nelson), Jeremy Hess (Erica Hunter), Bethany Hess, Adam Hess (Catherine Meihaus) and Sarah Hess (Patrick Sedo) all of Lawrence; grandchildren, James Sedo, Samuel Sedo, Collin Adams, Benny Hess, Hunter Hess and one on the way; his brother, David Hess (Becky) of Arkansas, sister, Lisa Goetz (Maury) of Boise, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Dale Hess (Mary Luanne Hess).

His family jokes he was a serial hobbyist. He enjoyed so many diverse activities; he played the banjo and guitar, painted landscapes, built model trains, historical model ships, airplanes and cars with his children and now his grandchildren, was an avid photographer and bodybuilder for a time, scuba-dived, golfed, restored his first sailboat in his driveway, owned a second larger sailboat then moved up to a 35-foot cabin cruiser that he and Catherine spent many a weekend on at K Dock at Rock Creek Marina, Perry Lake. He rebuilt, restored and rode motorcycles beginning in his teens. He was an avid enthusiast of Harley Davidson and Corvette. He recently restored a 1972 Stingray. He built furniture and completely remodeled the family home from re-plumbing and rewiring to building kitchen cabinets, bars and book cabinets, discovered and restored oak floors under carpet, built mantles, laying tile and countertops. He added an airless paint system in his garage and repainted his truck and his Harleys. There was not a room in their home that he did not touch or alter in some way to make it better.

He found happiness in his family, especially his children and grand-children, and all his "extra" children who found their way into the Hess household, often living with the family when they had nowhere else to go or just adopted him as a surrogate dad, good ear, a quick smile or frown and dispenser of common sense and reason. He had a quiet wit, often speaking zingers when no one expected.

Larry began his plumbing career as a plumber's helper in his teens, then as a Union apprentice and Journyman plumber. He and Catherine moved to a 60-acre self-sustaining farm in Jefferson County in the 70's where by necessity and mostly hilarious mishaps they both learned how to grow their own food, milk cows, aid in birthing baby pigs and use wood heat. He and Catherine purchased an ice manufacturing plant in Eudora, Kansas in the early 80's followed by a second plant in Lawrence, both of which were combined in Lawrence, as Heartland Ice Company. They sold their business and Larry went back to plumbing in 1989. After plumbing again for a few years he started applying to become an extra board firefighter for the City of Lawrence and was hired in 1994. He served as an extra-board for approximately 3 years while still plumbing. He was hired full-time and earned the rank of Engineer, EMTI. He continued to work for Stuart Plumbing Company on his off days from firefighting and was perplexed that he would be tired after working an 80-hour week. Larry retired as a firefighter in December 2014. His latest business venture was as a Master Plumber and plumbing contractor, owning and operating Excel Plumbing Company, LLC. He often told others that he would work until he died. He did work a full day on February 8 – he was right.

He was a man of great faith and strength. He lived hard, he loved hard, he laughed hard and he was taken too early. His family believes there was not a thing or person he touched that was not better for it. They will miss him forever.

Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to American Cancer Society and Zion International Ministries, Inc. and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com..

Published by Lawrence Journal-World from Feb. 12 to Feb. 17, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Hess

Not sure what to say?





A unique man and wonderful friend. We will miss you. Rest in peace Larry.

Ken Cole

March 13, 2018

My heart goes out to you, Catherine, and also to the kids. Larry was, quite simply, a great person ... and he will be missed by a multitude of friends, along with his family. Viki -

Viki Peterson

February 22, 2018

We are deeply saddened by your loss. Larry will be missed terribly. Our prayers are with you.

Patti and Jim Thornton

February 21, 2018

What an incredible life. Sending prayers to you Catherine, and your family for comfort and strength. God bless you all.

Kim Murphree

February 20, 2018

Catherine,
Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to
meeting you at Adam & Catherine's wedding
in October.
Bob & Nancy Gillon, Cos Cob, CT

Bob & Nancy Gillon

February 18, 2018

Catherine and Bethany,
What a tribute to an incredible guy with an incredible life. Thinking of you and wishing you peace.

Kate Harper

February 17, 2018

Cathy so sorry for your loss and this deep pain. May you find comfort in knowing Larry is at peace, yet his memories will forever live on.

James Woods

February 17, 2018

So sorry for your loss ...in Christ Rita

February 17, 2018

What a life and legacy - amazing!
Sending kind thoughts your way.

Liz Campbell and Chris Watts

February 17, 2018

May his wit, wisdom, talent, love and boundless energy live forever in your memories.

Mark Roberts

February 17, 2018

What a life well lived. Catherine and kids...I am so sorry for your loss but celebrate the the great love you all got to share. Never enough time. Must Carry on!

skip griffy

February 17, 2018

Am praying for Larry's dear family and friends during this time of deep grief. I remember Larry and Cathy from school days. What a good loving life he lived. It seems too soon for him to pass. Am especially thinking of Cathy and the children. Thank you for such a beautiful written memorial to his life. Peace to all of you. With love, Retha

Retha Figgins Nightingale

February 17, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with the Hess family during this difficult time. I enjoyed working with Larry on my crew and have many great memories and will always remember his great smile that he always seemed to have. Rest in peace Brother.

Allen Johnson

February 17, 2018

Once again, Catherine, I am so sorry. My condolences to you and your family.

Dayle Hodges

February 17, 2018

a loved one

February 15, 2018

My deepest sympathy Catherine. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Wendi Georgie

February 14, 2018

Our thoughts & prayers are with the family at this time especially to Ab & Helen on the loss of a son. Will be thinking of you in the days to follow.

Doris & LeRoy Bateson

February 14, 2018

Cathy and kids...no words will do, but sending love and prayers for the entire family.

Deb Danielson

February 14, 2018

Oh, Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was your lifelong love and I pray that you will find peace somehow. Know that he will be missed by all.

Scott Burkhart

February 13, 2018

Mike Vantuyl

February 12, 2018

Brian e hess

February 12, 2018

So sorry Cathy. Prayers for you and your family.

Johnny Inverarity

February 12, 2018

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Make a Donation
in Larry Hess's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Larry Hess

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044

How to support Larry's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Larry Hess's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more