Larry Richard Blythe

Larry Richard Blythe, 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2026, after a long illness. 

Larry was born on July 18, 1947, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Kaley Blythe and Geraldine Richard Brewer. Although Kaley was his biological father, Larry was raised by Nelson Blythe, whom heregarded as his father. Nelson and Geraldine played an important role in shaping Larry's life andvalues. He spent most of his life in Augusta and Wichita, Kansas, where he built a reputation as askilled tradesman, devoted family man, and trusted friend. 

Larry was a Master Electrician and Master HVAC Contractor who took great pride in his work. Hegenerously shared his knowledge with others, teaching his trade to his son, Jacob, as well asseveral nephews. While he was respected for his professional accomplishments, Larry consideredhis greatest achievement to be his family.

He was a loving father to Jenny Viernes (Jared) and Jacob Blythe (Katie). Larry was a proud anddevoted grandfather to Owen Dealy Blythe (Marissa), Elliana Blythe, Ender Viernes, Quinn Viernes, Archer Viernes, Layla Blythe, and Coralynn Blythe. One of the greatest joys of his life wasbecoming a great-grandfather when Owen and Marissa welcomed his first great-grandson, Oliver,on March 24, 2026. 

Larry is also survived by his brother, Don Blythe (Diane) of Overland Park, Kansas; his sisters,Jackie Gilmour (Clair) and Barbara Taylor, both of Augusta, Kansas; and Melody Hyatt (Jared) of Eagle Rock, Missouri; and 28 beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson Blythe and Geraldine Richard Brewer; his biological father, Kaley Blythe; and his youngest brother, Rick Blythe. 

Family was an important part of Larry's life. Any time one of his children or grandchildren neededhelp, all they had to do was call, and Larry would drop whatever he was doing to make sure they were cared for. He loved baseball and spent countless hours teaching the game to his children and grandchildren, organizing impromptu games, and often ending the day with ice cream at Miller's Five Drive-In. 

He also loved fishing and enjoyed taking the kids down old country roads in search of the perfectfishing spot. Some of the family's fondest memories were made around Larry's bonfires, where children, nieces, nephews, and friends gathered to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, share stories, laugh, and enjoy one another's company. He had a special love for the Ozarks andtreasured the many weekends spent there with family, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

Larry was known for his generous spirit, kind heart, and willingness to help others. He was one ofJehovah's Witnesses and was proud to help others learn to study the Bible.

Larry's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the people he mentored, and the many lives hetouched through his kindness, wisdom, and example.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

"The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it." — Psalm 37:29