Lawrence Ray “Larry” Burchett III, passed away on September 12, 2021 after a long and valiant fight against cancer.
Born on September 22, 1953, in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Ray and Ann Bielecki Burchett, Larry was the first of their five children. He grew up in the Leawood area, attending grade schools at St. Ann’s and Cure of Ars. He graduated from Rockhurst High School, lettering in football, track and wrestling. He developed life-long friendships, and fostered his well-honed sense of pranks and practical jokes. He went on to graduate from the University of Kansas with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, while working a full-time job to pay his way, first in the family to graduate college.
Larry married his high school sweetheart Cheri Boone, settling in Overland Park. He completed his MBA and started working for ARMCO Steel managing a wire rope manufacturing plant. They were blessed with 2 children, Larry IV and Allie. A devoted family man, “Roy” coached both kids in numerous sports, and was especially involved with Allie in basketball and little Larry in baseball. He was further blessed to have 4 grandkids, who loved finding frogs and fishing and playing trains with their “Pa.”
After 32 years in the steel industry, he transitioned to CBM for over a decade where he finished his career. He was invaluable at solving problems, and treating people right along the way. He took great pride in and really enjoyed his work in life.
Larry had a great love of the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with family and friends, and his many highly trained hunting dogs, including Bess, Max, Sam and Moose. This was cultivated early on by hunting trips with his father to Wyoming and Alaska, and continued with fishing trips to Canada and Alaska with both his kids. He led the annual pheasant trip to South Dakota for over a decade with friends and family. In the past year, he got the chance to hunt with his eldest grandson as well.
He was also quite the competitive racquetball player, taking great joy in strategically whipping players much younger and faster than him.
After 24 years of marriage, Larry lost Cheri to cancer in 2001. He held the family together with weekly family dinners for over a decade. He was lucky enough to find love again with Debbie Brown, with whom he shared time with grandkids, and wonderful trips to Ireland, St Kitts, Hawaii.
He was a rock for his family, and will be greatly missed.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl Boone Burchett, his father Lawrence Ray Burchett II, his nephews Derek Burchett, Ryan Edwall, Michael Palumbo and Liz Busby, and great-niece Brystol Harper. Survivors include his partner Debbie Brown, his children Larry IV and daughter Allie (Ben) Clark with grandchildren Joe, Ellie, Elizabeth and Henry, his mother Ann Burchett, siblings Cathy Burchett, Mark Burchett (Mari Ann), Tracy Orpin (John Fetters) and Scott Burchett (Tammy) as well as numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Catholic funeral services will be held Friday, September 17 at St Ann Catholic church 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS, 66208 with visitation from 9:30-11am, followed by funeral Mass at 11am and burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Donations can be made in his name to the Cheri Burchett Nursing Scholarship: Research Foundation, 2316 E Meyer Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132, or by going to the website: https://www.theresearchfoundationkc.org/donate/memorialgifts.html
Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
R.I.P. Larry from Mike Davis Class 71.
Larry, my memory of you is frozen at grade school and high school, 50 years ago, when our paths diverged. It’s inspiring to learn about your life accomplishments and the family you nurtured, since then. Rest in peace, old friend, you left your mark.
Larry and Cheri…perfect examples of dear friends who became family in many ways over the years. Have missed your “how are we doin’?” when we greet with a hug. Praying you right through to Heaven…you both will be in so many hearts forever.
Annie and Mike Best
Larry will be missed. He was a great guy that I had the privilege of knowing and calling a friend. Debby and I wish we could be at the funeral but we are currently in France and unable to attend. We will have Larry in our prayers along with Allie and Larry IV. May Larry rest in peace. He fought the good fight.
Jake and Debby Schloegel
May his memory be a blessing.
Condolences from Mr. and Mrs. John J. Ryan, Jr.
I will always remember the great competitor that Larry was on the Football field as well as grappling on the mat. Larry would do anything for anyone! We will miss you Larry. Unfortunately I will be out of town sharing our love of bird dogs competing at at dog trial in Nebraska. Ed Holland
Ally, I am so sorry for your and your family’s loss.
Allie, I was sorry to see of your Dad’s passing. I will hold you and your family in a special place in my heart for some time.
Sending thoughts and prayers to Larry’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Larry during his time with CBM, and always regarded him as a good business man, a gentleman, and a man of great integrity. In that regard, he is a great loss for everyone. Rest in peace, Larry.
Larry was Dan’s best friend from HS thru college and thru life. He was the best man in our wedding and has always been a forever friend. He will be missed terribly but the good times will be good memories. A good man. Love and peace to all.
Susan Gilliland & Dan
Dear Allie and all of the family and friends.along with deep sympathy, I am touched by all the gratitude for Larry who shared his life with you.He has blessed so many people and will be incredibly missed. Love and prayers,to you, Beth Heidler
Peace to you Larry! You will always live on in the memory of all your friends and family.
What a great sportsman Larry was. My prayers to all of the family. The RHS class of 71 will miss you. Rest in peace dear classmate.
I remember Larry as the calm, reasoned, steady voice in our neighborhood. He was quick to laugh and just as quick to offer help. He served as an example to us all, and I miss his friendship greatly.