Lawrence Richard Straight

Larry Straight, 71, of Shawnee passed away Thursday, July 14, 2011, at his home.

Larry was born October 5, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri. Larry graduated from Washington High School in 1957. He served as a Military Policeman in the United States Army at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, from 1960 to 1962. Larry met his bride Sondra on a blind date in 1957. They were married on November 10, 1962, in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Larry worked for Harcross Chemicals for over 35 years before retiring in 2002.

Larry enjoyed spending time tending to his garden as well as canning and pickling the fruits of his labor. He was a skilled craftsman at woodworking, and enjoyed making functional everyday items for his family and friends. Larry also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles with his cats across his lap and playing games on the floor with his grandchildren. His fondest memories are of vacationing with his family in Colorado. Larry always put the needs of his family and friends before himself.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ed and Imogene Straight, his biological father, Claude Hamlett; and sisters Barbara Snyder and Linda Hamlett. Larry is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Sondra; his two daughters, Lari Ann Collins and husband Col. Thomas Collins, Sheri Knight; a son, Chris Straight, and wife Sarah; two granddaughters, Sophia Straight and Malia Knight; a grandson, Coleman Straight; brothers, Ed "Bud" Straight and Kim Hamlett; sisters, Virginia Goodell, Claudia Schendel and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He will be dearly missed.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, July 17, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee, followed by funeral services at 2 p.m.