Larry Luman, a long-time Hutchinson resident, died Friday, August 15, 2025, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City. He was 77 years old.
Larry was a devoted husband to Mary Luman and a loving dad to Cris (Lyle) Paulson of Hutchinson, Kara (Chris) Ackerman of Monument, Colorado, and Kim (Mark) Johnson of Hutchinson. He was incredibly proud of his seven grandkids: Kayla Paulson, Cassie Paulson, Jake Ackerman, Jessa Ackerman, Allie Johnson, Logan Johnson, and Luke Johnson. He loved his brother Richard (Mary) Luman, his brother-in-law Tom Brookover, his brother-in-law Gary (Sherry) Brookover and his brother-in-law John Graves, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and a multitude of friends.
A 1965 graduate of Hutchinson High School, Larry was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and proudly served in Vietnam as an SP5 Intelligence Analyst. After 22 months and 5 days of service, he received an honorable discharge in 1968. Larry always carried deep pride in his military service. Soon after returning home, he met a young nursing student, Mary Brookover. The two were married on August 8, 1970, and just one week before his passing, they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
Larry pursued his education at Hutchinson Community College, graduating in 1974, and proceeded to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Wichita State University in 1976. His professional career included work as a corporate accountant for Jackson Ice Cream/Kroger and later Sonoco. He often spoke fondly, however, of his earliest jobs delivering newspapers and washing dishes at Skaets - experiences that reflected his humble beginnings and instilled the strong work ethic he carried throughout his life.
Larry had a lifelong love of cars, whether it was driving his antiques, attending car shows or watching car races. He was a faithful attendee of the car races, sitting in the same seat at the Hutchinson Nationals for over 50 years. After returning home from Vietnam, he paid cash for his 1969 Chevelle SS, a car he treasured throughout his life. He was a member of the Mid State Street Rods.
He shared a unique connection with each of his family members, giving them nicknames, spending quality time with each of them, lending a helping hand, and guiding them through life with his calm demeanor. He was always talking and laughing. He loved gardening and watching the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. He also loved to spend time on the Brookover family farm in Greenwood County, camping, fishing, and deer hunting. He enjoyed time with The Cruisers, whether on land or sea. He looked forward to having breakfast with the Sonoco group. He was a great neighbor, and a loyal friend, especially to his 1965 Salthawk classmates.
He was a long-time member and supporter of Park Place Christian Church.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Wilbur and Gladys Luman, his sisters Marcia Johnson and Donna Graves, and in-laws John and Bessie Brookover.
Larry’s burial has taken place in a private family service. A memorial for Larry will be held at Park Place Christian Church in Hutchinson on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard, with a reception following. An area of the church parking lot will be designated for classic cars to arrive early. Please honor Larry by bringing your classic cars and feel free to wear street rod or racing T-shirts. Friends and family may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, please support the Kansas Honor Flight or Park Place Christian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.