Larry D. Lala, Kirwin, KS, passed away on December 2, 2021, at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, KS, at the age of 84. He was born on October 2, 1937, to Theodore and Hallie (Newbrey) Lala in Hays, KS. Larry married Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Vohs on June 2, 1956, in Osborne, KS. They were blessed with two daughters: Barbara Ann and Susan Elizabeth.
Larry grew up on a farm north of Woodston and graduated from Woodston Rural High School in 1955. He started farming and ranching, the occupation he had planned since 8th grade. He farmed with his step-dad Vernon Townley and brother Kent Townley until 1984. He continued to farm with his step-dad Vernon until his death in 1999. Larry ran a cow/calf operation, as well as a small feedlot in the early years, but his love was crop production. He loved his tractors and machinery; anything motorized or Case IH and he was very particular about their maintenance. He was a skilled mechanic, he could make or fix anything, and never missed an opportunity to teach. As he often said: “You can’t learn any younger”. Anyone who knew him knew his wardrobe consisted of Key overalls, with many tools and accessories in his front pockets (which provided the grandkids with hours of play), work boots and in the winter, floppy eared hats.
Larry was very active in the Kirwin Lions Club being a key player in the annual Old Settler’s Day. He was also a member of the Alton Masonic Lodge, Western Bohemian Fraternal Association, FSA Board, Bull City Saddle Club, Rural Fire Dept., and the Woodston and Ash Rock Cemetery Boards. He and Betty played cards with the Rural Life Card Group in Alton/Osborne for many years.
Larry worked and played hard. He was busy all the time, yet he managed to always have time for everyone. In his younger years he enjoyed boating at the lake, water and snow skiing. He and Betty enjoyed dances at the Bohemian Hall dancing to the Harmony Four. The family enjoyed summer vacations to Colorado and the Dakota’s, even though Larry was most happy on the ‘knob north of Woodston’. He loved to go to the car races and demo derbies. He liked to ride motorcycles, snowmobiles, and even learned to fly an airplane, parking it in the front yard.
He and Betty were very involved in Barb’s and Susan’s activities, assisting with 4H projects and following them to their sporting events. When grandkids came along, he and Betty tried to attend as many of their events as they could, with Larry hitting every concession stand! He adored his grandkids.
When his step-father Vernon’s health started to decline in the late 90’s, Larry took over the community coffee shop in Woodston. You could find him there with friends almost every morning swapping stories. In the last few years, Larry expanded his personal lawn mowing efforts to include a large portion of Woodston. Larry didn’t know a stranger, and loved to visit, for hours at a time.
Larry is survived by his wife, Betty Lala of the home in Woodston; daughters, Barbara Ann McClain and husband Mark of Smith Center, KS and Susan Elizabeth McCall and husband Shane of Smith Center, KS; sister-in-law, Janese Townley of Stockton, KS; four grandchildren, Matthew McClain (Janice), Megan Engle (Kurt), Marshall McCall, and Hallie McCall (Cody Theobald); five great-grandchildren, Luke, Benjamin, and Ethan McClain, and Brooks and Avery Engle; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ted Lala and Hallie Townley; step-dad Vernon Townley and brother Kent Townley.
Larry was greatly loved and will be terribly missed. He was a man of value, character, and integrity who served with a giving heart and loved with an even greater heart. We can smile because he lived and left us with cherished memories that will live forever in our hearts. He will be remembered in love.
A Graveside Service will be held at Ashrock Cemetery north of Woodston, KS on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 11AM. Visitation will be held on Monday 2PM-7PM with the family receiving friends 5PM-7PM.
Memorials are suggested to the Woodston Rural Fire Dept. and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com