Larry E. Hanson

Larry E. Hanson, 81, of Topeka, passed away Friday, April 22, 2022.

He was born May 10, 1940, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Edgar O. and Dorothy I. (Blevins) Hanson. He was a graduate of Washburn Rural High School and attended both Washburn and Kansas State Universities. He served in the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge in January of 1967.

While at Washburn, Larry met his wife of 57 years, Barbara Jean (Spears). Their wedding, on November 30, 1963, was nearly impacted by President Kennedy's assassination, but love and luck prevailed. Larry and Barbara spent their first year of marriage living near Larry's Army base in Augsburg, Germany, which they likened to a year-long honeymoon.

Returning to civilian life, Larry was employed as an optical technician before starting his own company, Crossroads Ophthalmic Instrument Service. He was the owner of Crossroads from the mid-1970's until his retirement.

Larry and Barbara spent their retirement years traveling with their truck and fifth-wheel trailer, visiting National Parks in 45 states, wintering in Texas and Arizona, vacationing with grandchildren, and camping locally with cousins and a camping club.

Family ties were important to Larry. While his children, Lori and Lonnie, were young, they spent Sundays at his parents' farm. Larry was an active Dad and served as both Boy Scout leader and Girl Scout volunteer. Later, grandchildren's activities dominated their calendar, including ball games, music concerts, theater and dance performances, and more Scouting activities.

He and Barbara were members of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, Topeka, for more than 50 years, where he volunteered and went over-the-top with his annual Trunk or Treat display. He also belonged to the Top-Kan Twirlers Square Dance club, a camping club, and the Topeka Area Woodcarvers at various stages of life.

Larry enjoyed woodcarving, knot-tying, KU basketball, and jigsaw puzzles. He was also known for his terrible Dad jokes,

Larry's wife, Barbara, preceded him in death on March 9, 2021. Survivors include his daughter, Lori Hanson, and her husband, Tim Manning of Lawrence; his son, Lonnie E. Hanson of Hoyt and five grandchildren, Clare Hanson, Kate Hanson, Caroline Hanson, Aidin Manning, and Eliot Manning.

Larry will lie in state after Noon, Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Parker Price Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

A funeral ceremony will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 29, 2022 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery, in Topeka.
Larry's services will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 4525 NW Button Rd, Topeka, KS 66618.

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