Larry F. Speere, 76, of Augusta, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Wichita, Kansas.

Larry was born December 16, 1941 in Hays, Kansas, the son of Emmett and Domintilla “Tillie” Brungardt Speere.  He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School.

Larry served his country in the U. S. Air Force from 1961 to 1965 where he was active in a refueling unit. 

Larry met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Shirley Kruger on July 11, 1964 at the Catholic Church on the Paine Field Air Force Base in Everett, Washington.
This union was blessed with two sons, Lance and Shawn.  They made their home in Washington until the early 70’s when they returned to Russell.  Then in 2015 they moved to Augusta, Kansas.

Larry worked for the Boeing Aircraft Company while living in Washington.  When they returned to Russell, he took over the family farm.  He also worked for the Russell School District for many years in maintenance.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Russell and the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Russell American Legion Post 99.  In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, riding motorcycles and 4 wheelers, flying model airplanes and was past president of the local model airplane club.  He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Upon retirement Larry and Shirley spent much of their time at the family cabin in Colorado.

Surviving family include his wife of 54 years, Shirley of the home; sons, Lance Speere (Kimberly Voss) of Orlando, Florida and Shawn Speere (Cindy) of Augusta, Kansas; four grandchildren, Jenna Speere, Kara Speere, Curtis Speere and Paul Speere.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Sara Speere.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, August 13, 2018, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.  Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Sunday, August 12, 2018, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  Visitation will be held from Noon to 5:00 PM, Sunday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  A Memorial has been established with the American Alzheimer’s Association.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.