ELLINWOOD — Larry Kent Panning, 89, passed away at Ellinwood District Hospital on May 9th, 2021. Larry was born to parents Alfred George and Elsie (Bortz) Panning on Oct. 15, 1931 who is the 3rd generation in Ellinwood. 

Larry’s parents taught him to work hard and have unconditional love for his family and community. Learning by example from grandparents who donated the land for the St. John Lutheran Church, Larry was an entrepreneur, farmer, and leader in the community, county, and state. He served the Ellinwood City Council for eight years, St. John Lutheran Church Council and President for numerous years, Mid Kansas Economic Dev. board, Kansas Water Authority board for 13 years, Wheat bowl, and was Big Bend board President for 17 years.  In addition he served as President for the County Economic Dev. board, State Irrigation, and Barton County Irrigation boards, Barton County Elder Care coalition, and Barton County Farm Bureau Board President. In receipt for donating his time Larry earned many awards one of which earned him a trip to the White House to meet President Ford. Mr. Panning also ran for State Rep. for the Republican party and was on the Presidential task force for President Reagan. Other memberships include longtime members of the Rotary Club and Grove Park Golf club where he donated a significant amount of time as well. Larry loved photography, a passion that began young, never missing an opportunity to take advantage of local scenery and always ready to capture family and local Ellinwood events. He also belonged to and hosted the 3 Coin Club. He married Dorothy (Dittrick) Panning on Nov. 18th, 1951 in Manhattan, Kan. She passed away on Sept. 14, 2020. 

Survivors include daughter, Susan Dannebohm, Ellinwood, Kan., Sandy Eggers, Ellinwood, Kan., David (Marlene) Panning, Great Bend, Kan., Terry Panning (Desa), Ellinwood, Kan., Kevin Panning, Wichita, Kan. Additional survivors include 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Panning and his parents. 

Public funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Fri., May 14th at St. John Lutheran Church in Ellinwood with Pastor Thomas Thierfelder officiating. Interment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kan. Visitation will take place Thursday, May 13th from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. with family present from 5-7 p.m. at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church new building fund or Ellinwood Hospital Foundation in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel 

PO Box 246 

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 12, 2021