BELPRE — Larry Lester Adams, 83, passed away Sept. 7. 2026 at Country Living of Larned in Larned, Kan. He was born April 15, 1943 in Great Bend, Kan. the son of Lester B. and Darlene (McComas) Adams. A resident of Belpre for most of his life, Larry earned a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts and Education from Fort Hays State University. He was a farmer, a devoted Pioneer Seed Dealer, Industrial Arts Teacher, and very patient driver’s education teacher. Larry built lasting relationships across the county, and his visits were as much about checking in on his neighbors as they were about seed. He was always ready with an ear to listen, a shoulder to help carry the burden, and hands to pitch in whenever needed.
Larry poured himself into his community. He was a member of the Edwards County Extension Board, Belpre Township Board, Leadership of Belpre Township Cemetery, Corvette Club, Lewis Coop Board, Great Bend Fly-in Club, Young Eagles, Macksville Christian Church Board and Elder, Lion’s Club, Sunflower 4-H Club Leader, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Macksville Booster Club, EMT, Belpre Volunteer Firefighter, and Board. If something needed doing, Larry was there.
On July 16, 1966 he married his sweetheart, Reba Mae Manry, at First United Methodist Church in Larned, Kan. Having just celebrated 60 years of marriage, she survives.
Larry is also survived by his children, Chandler (Elizabeth McKee) Adams of Pinehurst, N.C., Kelby (Nicole) Adams of Belpre, Kan., Kendra (Jerry) Bowen of McPherson, Kan.; his grandchildren, Reagan, Brooklyn, Kambry, Gunnar, Daniel, Nolan, Reyna and Layton; a brother James Adams; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Darlene; and a brother John Adams.
Visitation will be 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2026 at the Macksville Christian Church, Macksville, Kan. Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 at the church with Pastor Jacob Russell and Greg Giles officiating. Graveside service will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Belpre Cemetery, Belpre, Kan. with a fly-over. Family and friends are invited to come and share their stories of how Larry touched their lives and brought laughter and joy to everyone around him. Come as you are, dust and all, straight off the combine. Larry would have wanted it that way and in his honor the family will be casual as well. Memorials may be made to the Larry L. Adams Family Trust, (which will be used for assisting those dealing with hardships in the community) in care of Minnis Chapel P.O. Box 34, St. John, KS 67576.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel
P.O. Box 34
St. John, KS 67576
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 10, 2026
