Lawrence J. Davis Sr.

Lawrence J. "Larry" Davis, Sr., lifetime resident of Johnson County, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023, just three days shy of his 93rd birthday. He was born on September 27, 1930, in Stilwell, Kansas to Tinsley and Alpha (Madden) Davis.

Larry grew up in Lenexa, Kansas where he enjoyed caring for his horse and other animals on his parents' farm. He was a graduate of Shawnee Mission Rural High School class of 1949. Active in FFA and after school detention, he made such a lasting impression on faculty members that those who were still teaching called him by his first name years later when his children attended school there.

Working in Gardner, Kansas, Larry met the love of his life, Lillian "Lou" Carpenter. They celebrated 71 years of marriage in June of this year. Together, they met the challenge of separation when Larry was drafted and proudly served his country in the United States Army. Returning to civilian life, Larry found his way into construction where he became a journeyman carpenter and later a business owner starting his company Midwest Acoustics, with three partners. Larry lived a life of service to his community as a member of the auxiliary police force for Johnson County and later Shawnee, Kansas. He served many years as a scoutmaster, an active volunteer in his church, and as a long-time member of the VFW, he participated proudly in honor ceremonies for the military. Larry was an avid collector of wood planes and antique tools. He enjoyed woodworking and became quite skilled at creating furniture pieces for his family. Larry loved fishing and some of his favorite stories came from the many fishing trips taken with his life-long friends. Most importantly, Larry was a dedicated family man who worked hard to provide the best life he could for his family.

Larry is survived by his wife, Lillian, and three of his children: Debbie Gray of Bismark, North Dakota, Retta Kramer (John) of Milford, Kansas, and Lawrence "Jim" J. Davis, Jr. (Donna) of Olathe, Kansas. He is also survived by eight of his grandchildren: Heather (Thomas) Medlin of California, Missouri; Margaret (Mark) Allenbrand, of Gardner, Kansas); Sarah (Jim) Schmidt, of Manhattan, Kansas; Andrew (Michelle) Gray of Eagle River, Alaska; Amanda (Ryan) Ressler of Leawood, Kansas; Courtney (Matt) Durbin of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Brenten "BJ" (Juanita) Davis of Olathe, Kansas; and Matthew Davis of Olathe, Kansas. He also has 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his son Timothy Davis; two grandchildren Stacy Gray and Christopher Kramer; his parents Tinsley and Alpha Davis; his sisters Aleine Davis and Alpha Mae Darnell; brothers Tinsley Davis and Thomas "Bob" Davis.

Larry's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service

Donations may be made to Larry's favorite charity: Disabled Veterans


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