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Larry D. Butcher

Larry D. Butcher, 76, of Prairie Village, KS passed away on Monday, July 20th, 2020 surrounded by music, love and his three children.  

 

He was born in Delphos, KS to Kenneth D. and Dorothy I. Butcher.  He graduated in 1961 from Delphos High School.  Larry went on to the University of Kansas where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1966.  He was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity where many of his lifelong friendships began.  Larry also completed his Masters in Education at KU in 1973.

 

For 37 years he taught Social Studies in the Shawnee Mission School District.  He began his career at Indian Hills Jr High in 1966 where he met a beautiful Physical Education teacher named Nancy and they married 10 months later.  Larry eventually retired from Mission Valley Middle School in 2003.  His love of the arts led him to become the House Manager for the The Folly Theatre in 1976 and to volunteer for Penn Valley’s Theatre in the Park productions.

 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Kathleen Stelter.  He is survived by his wife Nancy of 52 years, his children Kristen Butcher, David Butcher (Brandy) and Lindsey Morrison (Ian).  Larry was the proud grandfather of Owen and Parker Butcher and Grant Morrison who will all miss him very much. 

 

We would like to thank all of his dearest friends, colleagues and neighbors for all the love and support over the years.  Your friendships meant the world to him and to us.

 

Following our Dad’s wishes, there will not be a service, but we will host a party in his honor at a later date.

 

We will miss his witty sense of humor, caring heart, calming nature, his blue eyes, words of wisdom and guidance. Larry D Butcher was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and best friend.

 

How lucky we all are to have known someone who makes saying goodbye so hard…

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, The Folly Theatre and Kansas City Hospice House.  His children will gladly accept adult beverages and KU Basketball tickets.
Send Condolences

Condolences

David Hadley Aug 02, 2020

Former student ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Dear Butcher Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Butcher was my 7th grade Unified Studies teacher back in 1972. He was one of the best teachers I had at Indian Hills. He always tried to make learning fun and was fair to all of us. I posted the link to his obituary on the Indian Hills Facebook group. There are many heartfelt and kind tributes. I hope you find comfort in the numerous past students who he left a lifelong impression on. Sincerely, David Hadley

Susan Boresow Aug 02, 2020

My sincere condolences to you all. While I didn’t have Mr.Butcher as my teacher at IH- several of my siblings did. He was always such a friendly person and he made such an impact on so many. He will be missed by all. May you cherish the memories you have. Susan Boresow

Charlotte Aug 02, 2020

Colleague ,Fairway ,Kansas

I am sorry to hear of the loss of Larry for your family. Everyone that knew Larry quickly discovered how much he loved his family and how important family was to him. I worked for eleven years with Larry at Mission Valley where he made kids laugh and learn seventh grade social studies. He was a bright man with a wonderful sense of humor. I am so thankful I got to know him.

Kathy Dunn Aug 02, 2020

Folly Colleague ,Liberty ,Missouri

My heart missed a beat when I saw the news of Larry's passing in today's KC Star. What a fine colleague he as to me at the Folly! Wit, wisdom, sense of humor, good listener, _superb_ house and volunteer manager. He was a joy to know, and work with. He left a strong legacy at the Folly. I know your loss is great. With sympathy, Kathy Dunn

MJ Walden Aug 02, 2020

friend from years ago ,Leawood ,Kansas

Kristen, Your dad was a special man and teacher. I remember taking his Kansas City History class,offered by SMSD to teachers for CEUs. Being new to KC in 1977, it was just the ticket. My interest further included Possom Trot at the Stockyards for 2 years. Blessings to you all at this time.

Karen Jones Mills Aug 02, 2020

Former Student ,Olathe ,Kansas

Dear Family, I was a student of Mr. Butcher’s in 1971 and he is one of a handful of teachers that I would say made a true positive impact on me. It’s not easy to lose a parent, but know that he influenced the lives of many throughout his life. Blessings to you all.

Derek Moore Aug 02, 2020

student ,Roeland Park ,Kansas

i am sorry to hear about Larry's passing. He was my 7th grade Social Studies teacher at Indian Hills. He taught many interesting things about the History of Kansas City ...and his "Kansas City Bus tour" was a great tradition. i enjoyed hearing stories about the Folley Theatre ... Rest in Peace Sir!.. and thank you ... Life , Legacy .. LB

Barbara Bollier Aug 02, 2020

Former Indian Hills student ,Mission Hills ,Kansas

Your dad was one of my favorite teachers at Indian Hills, even though I did not personally have him (I did have your mom!). We have become re-acquainted as adults through my legislative service as both state Representative and Senator for your parents. They hosted yard signs for me, and we shared some wonderful conversations on the driveway as I campaigned. Your dad also reached out to me for help with your mother's dementia and her care...he loved her SO deeply! Your dad was a great example and mentor to so many of us through his teaching career. Thank you for sharing him with so many kids! And hug your mom for me (if you are able during Covid). My own father died from Alzheimer's so I am very familiar with the challenges you face. Sending my deepest condolences as you grieve his loss yet celebrate his life!

Andrew Weed Aug 02, 2020

Former student ,Mission Hills ,Kansas

I was so sad to learn that my favorite 7th grade teacher passed away. Mr. Butcher was a great guy with a marvelous sense of humor and the patience of Job with those of us who were mischievous teenagers needing a commanding role model. I remember when we discovered that he was dating a darling brunette teacher, Nancy, down the hall and we teased him mercilessly until they married. He had a great smile which he shared quickly and completely, even for those of us who ended up in his utility closet for misbehaving. Over the years I ran into Larry at Jazz concerts at the Folly Theater. He was always gracious and friendly and a nice guy to be around. Larry was one of the really good guys and our community was lucky to have had him as a teacher and mentor for decades. God Bless Larry and his family and may you always know that there were a lot of young students who were positively influenced by his generous spirit.

Diane Wolf Aug 02, 2020

fellow teacher ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I knew Larry at both Indian Hills and later at Mission Valley. He was a wonderful guy and I was fortunate enough to know him both professionally and personally. He will be missed by those of us who worked with him.

Donna Nelson-Schneider Aug 02, 2020

Student ,Annandale ,Virginia

My sympathies to his family. He was such a great teacher and had an impact on so many lives. Mr. Butcher was my 7th grade Social Studies-English teacher. I learned so much being in his class, making the transition to junior high. I loved learning about KC and the bus tour. I wrote my first research paper on Union Station. Plus I learned how to ski during the school trips he organized to Winter Park. I was on the bus that got snowed in near Salina, so it took me two trips to get there! But it was with it! I hope all the memories bring you comfort.

Jeannine Neubecker Aug 02, 2020

fellow educator and friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I was so sorry to read about the death of Larry. He was a good friend of my husband CE who got acquainted with him, like i did at Mission Valley.Two of his children were also on my teams there also.Always an interesting, enjoyable conversationalist. An excellent teacher. The school kids liked him very much. Rest in a well deserved pain free peace.

Adriann (Barlow) Olson Aug 02, 2020

Learning about my favorite Unified Teachers at IHJH in 1972, passing away breaks my heart. Those of us that were his students were very fortunate to experience his friendliness and humor. You all are in my prayers.

Michael Pronko Aug 02, 2020

His student, 1973-4 ,Tokyo, Japan now ,Kansas

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Butcher. He was one of the best teachers I had. He guided me, and many others, through the rough passages of junior high. He always treated students with respect, even when we did our best to mess things up. He understood us and kept us learning, neither one an easy task. I'm now a teacher myself and can understand from his side the life-changing importance of what he did, and did so well. My deepest condolences to your family.

Mark and Diana Wilson Aug 02, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

We only knew Larry for a few years, but it seemed as if we were lifelong friends. Maybe it's a 'Central Kansas' thing. Godspeed, Larry. We'll see you on the other side. Mark and Diana

Judy and Dean Keaton Aug 02, 2020

Fellow teacher and friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Kristen, David and Lindsey, I started teaching at Indian Hills with your dad and mom in 1968. We were young pups and became very close friends. We moved away in 1971 but always kept in touch over the years. We moved back here and had dinner with your dad and he thought coming to Olathe was like going to another state😳 Your dad and mom have always been some of our most special friends. I am so sad for all of you. Let me know when I can visit your mom again. Love and sympathy. Judy & Dean Keaton

Mark Anderson Aug 02, 2020

Student at IH jr high school/my mom went to school with his Mom Dorothy Butcher (Widler) in Enterprise Ks ,Leawood ,Kansas

What a special person, teacher, TKE fraternity brother, mentor to so many. Truly special Teacher that All of us will remember fondly. As a student at IH I discovered his Mom (Dorothy Widler) and mine were in school in Dickinson County KANSAS before she married. Thinking of memories of a winner, Mr Butcher (students would never call him by his first name) with condolences to his family.

Kristen Manecke Aug 02, 2020

Student, friend ,San Diego ,California

Larry was my teacher in junior high at Indian Hills. He was tough. Didn’t let you slack off in class and I was a little intimidated by him, but respected him. Years later I met his daughter, Kristen, at East and we became fast friends. I got to know the whole family and loved all of them like my own. In fact, Larry was always so sweet and encouraging of me that he fulfilled the role of the father I never had. As an adult through college and into my late 40’s, we kept up our friendship as Kristen and I are life long friends. Larry was always interested in my life, gave me sound advice, and was always a proponent of doing what makes you happy. He always had a twinkle in his eye and looked at you with love and sincerity. This is a big loss for the world, his family, me and many others. So happy he was in my life. My teacher, my surrogate father, my friend.

Brenda Holt Aug 02, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Your Dad has always been a part of our family. I can remember when he was fraternity brothers with my brother Dennis. Your Mom and Dad always came you our annual Christmas parties. My Mom and I are so sorry for your loss. We have said many prayers for your family. Please stay strong.

Patricia McKain Dowlin Aug 03, 2020

Life long friend ,Glasco ,Kansas

Dear Family, Larry and I were in high school together. We "tried" to amputate a cat's broken leg but stupid cat wouldn't go to sleep. Dissected a frog and just had fun. I work some for Dorothy and Ken at the cleaners on Sat. Larry would come down and visit. I am SO SORRY and shocked to hear he is gone. He was special to me. Patricia

Brenda Homman Rock Aug 03, 2020

Second cousin ,Lake City, Colorado

I am so very sorry that your dad was taken from you so soon. I know it does not seem fair but it is not for us to determine when death will happen. I an confident that you all have very memorable wonderful times with your dad. How could you not. He was great. My most memorable times with him were with you kids and your mother when you would visit your grandparents at.Council Grove Lake. My parents Guy and Dorothy Homman owned a cabin next to your grandparents there. We had some really goo times there on the lake with pontoon rides, etc. You kids played with our kids, Brian and Stephanie. Fun memories. Cling to these and other fun memories. May your dad Rest In Peace and rise in Glory. Love you kids. Brenda

Sharon Kyle Aug 04, 2020

Friend ,Raytown

My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

Nancy Wilson Aug 04, 2020

Fellow teacher ,Shawnee ,Kansas

I taught with Larry at both Indian Hills and Mission Valley. I am sorry for you kids that you have lost such a great dad. He was an awesome person. I really liked him.

S. Solomon Aug 05, 2020

Our sympathies go out to the family from his friends and colleagues at Johnson County Association of Retired School Personnel

Carole Waterman Heider Aug 05, 2020

Nancy is my first cousin. ,Sioux City ,Iowa

I am heartsick. I knew that In Larry’s recent pictures, he didn’t look very healthy. We were friends on Facebook and kept up with each other. I am so sorry for all of you. The last time I saw Larry and Nancy was at John O’Donnels funeral, I think. Love to all of you. My husband Jon died 2 1/2 years ago. Life is never the same. Carole.

Doreen Maronde Aug 05, 2020

Folly Volunteer/KC P&R supervisor ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I met Larry when I came to KC as the Director of Cultural Arts for KCMO in 1987. I was in charge of such things as Brush Creek concerts, Jazz festival and our outdoor theater presentations on the Metropolitan KC Community College campus. I got to know and admire Larry through the latter. He recruited me as a Folly volunteer, and for several years I ushered for the Folly Jazz Series and for the Friends of Chamber Music Concerts. Over the years have attended many concerts there! Thanks to Larry for getting me involved!

Brenda Holt Aug 06, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Your Dad has always been a part of our family. I can remember when he was fraternity brothers with my brother Dennis. Your Mom and Dad always came you our annual Christmas parties. My Mom and I are so sorry for your loss. We have said many prayers for your family. Please stay strong.

Katherine Hurtig Silvey Aug 08, 2020

2nd Cousin ,Decatur texas

So sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. We are so sad. We just lost our brother, Mike to cancer. Mom, Pat Duncan, has short term memory loss and is dealing with that. Condolences to you all! Kathy

Molly McKay Aug 29, 2020

Student ,Mission Hills ,Kansas

Mr. Butcher was one of my all-time favorite teachers and certainly influenced my decision to pursue a career in economic development. I will always remember his kind and supportive teaching inspiring our class to open our minds to the world around us. He will be sincerely missed and I share prayers for your whole family.

Clarice Moeller Krepela Oct 07, 2020

friend ,Omaha ,Nebraska

To Larry's Family, I can see from the many tributes already written that Larry made a special impact on many lives, and many are his former students. I knew Larry because he married, Nancy, my friend from junior high and high school in Omaha, NE. Through the years we would all visit at class reunions, and catch up on family news. I am so saddened to hear he has passed away, and I send Nancy, Kristen, Lindsey, David, and the family sincere sympathy. May special memories bring you comfort. God bless and keep you. Clarice Moeller Krepela