Larry Dean Thode, 86, died May 18, 2023, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born August 31, 1936, on the family farm north of Plevna, to Albert Daniel “Danny” and Thelma Elnora (Drake) Thode.
Larry graduated from Plevna High School, received his associates degree from Hutchinson Junior College, and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1962. He retired from the Reno County Public Works Department, as the Assistant County Engineer, after 41 years of service. Larry enjoyed reading, traveling, and woodworking. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, and the Doers Sunday School Class. Larry cherished his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was known for preserving all the family photos, which are memories his family will forever cherish.
On August 31, 1956, he married Letha Kay Clough, at Huntsville United Methodist Church. They shared almost 67 years of marriage.
Larry is survived by: his wife, Letha of Hutchinson; daughters, Beverly Burns (Randy) of Wichita, Jeanette Ward (Martin) of Glendale, AZ, and Sherri Powell (Kenny) of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Jennifer Boesker, Amy Jo Sellke, Nick Cash, Rachel Diepenbrock, Kelly Rolen, and Grace Clinton; great-grandchildren, Brooklynn Boesker, Cash Diepenbrock, and Revan Dean Rolen; stepsister, Jenese Groth of Lufkin, TX; sisters-in-law, Marie Thode and Marlene Thode, both of Hutchinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his father, Danny Thode; mother, Thelma Thode Groth; stepfather, George Groth, brothers, Estel, Edward, and Ralph Thode; stepsister, Marcelene Pennington; and stepbrother, Gordon Groth.
Funeral service will be 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2023, at Elliott Chapel, with the Reverend Michael Tomson-DeGreeff officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Trinity United Methodist Church or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.