Larry E. Whisenhunt

Larry E. Whisenhunt, 78 years old, of Topeka, passed away July 15, 2021.

He was born August 10, 1942, in Shattuck, Oklahoma, the fourth of five children of Everett and Blanche Whisenhunt. Larry was raised on the Family farm in Laverne, Oklahoma.

Larry Graduated from Laverne High School where he participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He attended Panhandle A & M in Goodwell, Oklahoma where he played football. Larry then went to Wichita Business College where he earned his computer degree.

He worked for several companies in Wichita, Hutchison and Blue Springs, Missouri area. In 1972, he went to work for Blue Cross and Blue shield and retired as a Senior Systems Analyst in September 1997.
Larry served in the US Army Reserves from 1966 to 1972.

Larry loved to play golf and did so until his health failed. He endured many years of various illness. He fought with the fierceness and dignity that exemplified his life. The character and positive attitude he displayed throughout the years served as a shining example to all who knew and loved him.

Larry was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks – Topeka Lodge # 204 (now closed) where he served as Exalted Ruler several times. His membership was transferred to Pratt Lodge # 1451. He was also District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 1984-1985 and served as Kansas State President 1995-1996.

Larry was a member of Masonic Lodge #96, Houlton, Maine; Arab Temple, Past President of the Directors Staff, Past Director of the Topless Unit, Past President of the Kaw Valley Shrine Club, and Past Camaxtli of the Order of Quetzalcoatl.

Larry was a kind and gentle man who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and faithful friend to those who knew him. He believed completely in his commitment to the Fraternal organizations and the work these organizations do.

Larry and Constance (Connie) Johnson were married in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 13, 1981. They just celebrated 40 years together two days before his passing.

Larry is survived by his wife, Connie; daughters, Trenda (Mikel) Matney, Lynne Diehl, Debra (Keith) Streeter, and Linda (Mike) Shaver; son, Larry (Amy) Whisenhunt Jr.; granddaughter; Alyssa Matney and Ashley Dill; eight grandsons, Trenton Matney, Gavin Whisenhunt, Garrett Whisenhunt, Griffin Whisenhunt, Dustin (CherriLea) Roduner, David (Katie Ralston) Streeter, Jerad Harries and Justin Harries; great grandchildren, Draven Bennett and Adriyanna Roduner; Two sisters; Treva Daniels and Joan Stout of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister-in-law Dianne of Laverne, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; brother, Harold and wife, Juanita Whisenhunt; brother, Leroy Whisenhunt; his mother and father-in-law; son in laws, Thomas Roduner and Keith Diehl; granddaughter, Amanda Matney; and brothers-in-law, Gene Daniels, Dale Stout, and Charles Johnston.

A special thank you to Jason and Jara Matney and their children, Devin (Kelsi) Wolf, Kaydon Matney, and Gavin Matney for their support, care, and concern over the last few years.

Connie would like to thank Larry's doctors for their care, the medical staff at Stormont Vail Hospital, Cotton O'Neil Clinic, Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital, Midland Care, and the Emergency room doctors. Also, Firemen from Station 8 and 12 and the American Medical Responders for their many visits to the house. All these wonderful providers were so compassionate and understanding during many tough times.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Elks Training Centers for the Handicapped (KETCH), 1006 E. Waterman, Wichita, KS 67202 or Arab Shrine Temple, 1305 S. Kansas, Topeka, KS 66612.

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To watch Larry's funeral service, please click the image below.