Larry Degenhardt, 77, left this Earth to join his heavenly Father on June 15, 2021, at Via Christi St. Teresa, Wichita. He was born April 30, 1944 at Hays, to Walter and Bernita (Wasinger) Degenhardt. He married Shirley Schwartz July 9, 1966, at Great Bend. 

Larry was a Great Bend resident for most of his life. He farmed and worked for Rice Engineering. In 1996, he formed D&D Machine, which he owned and operated, while continuing to farm. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served during the Vietnam War. Larry’s heart lit up when he spent time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his fur baby Willow. Most of all he was a loving husband and friend to all who knew him. He was a devout Christian and member of First Church of God, serving and loving his Lord. 

Survivors include, his wife, Shirley Degenhardt of the home; his mother, Bernita Degenhardt of Great Bend; his daughter, Tiffany Serna of Great Bend; his brothers, Louis Degenhardt and Kim and Richard Degenhardt, all of Great Bend, Lloyd Degenhardt and wife Leeta of Larned, and Leon Degenhardt and wife Paula of Okla.; his sister, Kathy Foster and husband Brett of Rose Hill; three grandchildren, Alex Serna and Sienna Serna, both of Great Bend, and Destiny Loera and husband Jaime of Washington State; and five great grandchildren, Mila VanRiper of Great Bend, Izen Loera and Zyus Loera of Washington State, Lilah Serna and Luna Serna, both of Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Degenhardt. 

Visitation will be held from 1 to 9 p.m., Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 21, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Tom Swain presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery, with Military Rites conducted by the United States Navy. Memorials have been designated to First Church of God, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 18, 2021