Larry Leon Stone

Larry Leon Stone, 77, of Lenexa, KS passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at St. Luke’s on the Plaza. He was surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30am, Tuesday, July 18, 2023 with a visitation starting at 9:30am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13615 W 92nd St, Lenexa, KS 66215; burial will be at 2:30pm at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd, Leavenworth, KS 66048.

Larry was born on December 29, 1945 to Charles and Ruby (Allen) Stone in Newport, AR. After frequent moves as a child, his family took permanent residence in Eureka, MO where he graduated high school in 1964. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he honorably served his country alongside his brother during the Vietnam War.  While on leave he was set up on a blind breakfast date with Helen Otte; the start of a true, unwavering love story. Less than one year later they were married in Helen’s hometown at Sacred Heart Parish in Ozora, MO. They spent the first few of their 54 married years together at the Naval base in Virginia Beach, VA. Shortly after returning home to St. Louis, MO, they welcomed their first daughter, Heather. Larry pursued his bachelor’s degree from Lindenwood University while working full-time. He was accepted into the Postal Career Executive Service program with the United States Postal Service. This career took the family between St. Louis and Kansas City several times and they ultimately settled in Kansas City in 1988. In 1990, Larry and Helen welcomed their second daughter, Emily. He remained in executive leadership with the Postal Service for over 23 years before retiring in 2001.

Larry’s greatest love was Helen—he would later describe his marriage with Helen as the part of his life that fulfilled all his dreams—followed by his two daughters and grandchildren. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan and was often found on the sideline of the soccer field or in the auditorium for dance or gymnastics performances. In addition to his family, Larry had an intense passion for muscle cars, in particular his two 1967 Camaros, and the strong community and lifelong friendships he and Helen developed through this hobby.

Larry is survived by his wife Helen Stone; his children, Heather (Greg) Yows and Emily (Robert) Vavrik; his grandchildren, Braden, Rowan, and Presley Yows, Rory Vavrik; his brother Jerry Stone.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Heart Association.