Larry Dean Girard, 84, formerly of Beloit, died February 12, 2025, at Legend of Hutchinson, with his family by his side. He was born January 13, 1941, in Clyde, KS, to Eugene and Laura (Couture) Girard.
Larry graduated from Clyde High School in 1959. He attended Kansas University for one year on a football scholarship, before transferring to Kansas State University. Larry received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. For over 40 years he worked in education, impacting thousands of students. Larry taught elementary and middle school students in Jewell and Lacrosse. While teaching in Lacrosse, he received his master’s degree from Fort Hays State University, and served as the elementary principal for the Clyde, Jewell and Bird City School Districts.
Larry, known to his family and friends as a jokester, enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He cherished his five grandchildren. Larry could often be found in the stands cheering on his two granddaughters, keeping their volleyball and basketball stats, or playing with his three grandsons when they were growing up. He was a member of Inspire Church, Hutchinson.
On May 28, 1965, Larry eloped to Enid, OK with his bride and best friend, Ann Lundstrom.
Larry is survived by: his wife of almost 60 years, Ann Girard; daughter, Jill Posch (Danny), all of Hutchinson; brother, Bernard Girard of Manhattan; and grandchildren, Aaron Girard, Matthew Girard, Zachary Girard, Gabrielle Posch, and Grace Posch.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; son, Michael Alan “Mike” Girard; siblings, Theresa Buechel (Bill), Ernie Girard (Vera), Paul Girard, Berniece Esslinger-Ayres (Les); and sister-in-law, Marcia Girard.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Kent Pedersen officiating. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.
Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2025, at Jewell City Cemetery, Jewell, KS.