Lawrence J. “Larry” LaBarge, 79, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Larry was born February 3, 1942, in Damar, Kansas, the son of Leonard and Caroline Newall LaBarge. He graduated from Damar High School and Fort Hays State University earning three degrees in education. Larry taught Spanish, English and Latin and spoke French and Italian. He also served as a counselor and administrator. Most of his career was spent in western Kansas where he was named Outstanding Young Educator. He retired from USD 501, Topeka, where he served at Jardine School.
On June 6, 1961, Larry and Joyce Dreiling were united in marriage. She survives.
He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Knight of Columbus Council No. 8411 and the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly.
Larry was a very talented woodworker who made many toys for his beloved children and grandchildren as well as donating many for the Church’s fund raisers.
Also surviving are Larry’s children, Monique Ellis, her husband, Shane, and Darin LaBarge; three grandchildren Madison, Maegan and Nolan LaBarge; great-grandson, Bennett Matthew; brother-in-law, Gerald Dreiling; and sisters-in-law, Jean Stabb and Shirley Bollig. Larry was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 3, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church followed by the Fourth Degree Chalice Ceremony and rosary led by Knight of Columbus Council No. 8411 at 10:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at the Church.
Inurnment will be Saturday, August 7, at 1 p.m. in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plainville, Kansas. A reception will follow in the Knights of Columbus Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Church, Topeka or Sacred Heart School, Plainville and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.
Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.