Larry G. Fussell
Larry G. Fussell, 52 of Olathe, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, March 31, 2009 after a brief bout with cancer.
Larry was born in Houston, Texas on December 6, 1956 to Harry and Vera Fussell who moved shortly thereafter to raise their family in Overland Park. Larry was a 1975 graduate of Shawnee Mission West High School and attended Kansas State University where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He graduated from Baker University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. Larry was manager of information services for Kiewit Power Engineers in Lenexa, Kansas.
Survivors include his wife, Paula of the home; daughter Laura and fiancée Kyle Lorenzen of Overland Park; father Harry of Lake Ozark, Missouri; mother Vera of Overland Park; brother Gary of Raytown, Missouri; sister Debra (Scott) Crockett of Belton, Missouri; aunt Norma Polizzi, Orlando, Florida; mother-in-law Donna Burger of Shawnee; and many aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters-in-law and nephews and nieces, all of whom will miss “Uncle Lare” terribly.
The family suggests contributions to Vitas Hospice, American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2009 at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee, where a Rosary will be recited at 6 pm. Larry was a devout member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m on Saturday, April 4, 2009. Cremation to follow.
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I worked with Larry for almost nine years here at Kiewit, (formerly Bibb) and we had some very funny converstiaons. He was very laid back, and easy to work with. I will miss him. My prayers are with his family and friends.
I am one of many of Laura’s closet friends. I had the pleasure of meeting Larry a few times. A very Joyful person, full of jokes and laughter. I saw how much he and Laura loved eachother. My prayers and deepest sympathies to all family and friends.
I worked with Larry for eleven years at Kiewit and he will truly be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
I worked with Larry at Bibb for almost 7 years, he was a funny and personable man. It was an honor to have known and worked with Larry. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
My prayers go out to Larry’s family. I worked with Larry for 7 years at Bibb/Kiewit and he always took things in stride. He will be deeply missed.
My prayers and condolences go out to Larry’s family. Only knew him for a couple of years, and always enjoyed talking with him about technology to motorcycles. Did a couple of rides with him last year and he really enjoyed those. We will miss him at KPE and in the bikers world.
I worked with Larry for nearly 20 years for both Bibb & Associates and Kiewit Power. Paula, Laura and the rest of his family are in my family’s thoughts and prayers. Larry was a wonderful person to share a daily laugh with. He was very supportive when I lost my father many years ago to cancer. The world suddenly seems much smaller.
I worked with Larry for over four years at Kiewit. Every time I would enter his office aplogizing profusely for losing my key-card, he would simply smile, tell me it wasn’t a big deal, and hand me another one. And no matter how guilty I felt about losing those cards, he never once made me feel like it was my fault. Larry was a very considerate man who always wore a smile, and I will miss him greatly. My deepest condolences to family and friends.
I worked with Larry at Bibb many years ago. He was always very helpful and friendly. My sympathies to his family and friends.
I’ve known Larry for almost five years. He was a great man and a good friend. I consider myself very lucky to have known him. My deepest sympathies to all those close to him.
I worked with Larry at Bibb & Associates for 13 years. I will never forget his infectious smile and the twinkle in his eyes. He was constantly asking me “Lori, what did YOU do NOW?? ” My prayers go out to Paula, Laura and Larry’s family. Larry was a wonderful person and I feel fortunate to have known him. God Bless.
Larry had such a happy attitude that it was infectious and made work a better place to be. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Larry and his loved ones.
I’ve known Larry through work for about 5 years.
He was always helpful with a problem, quick to answer a question and always had a smile or a joke.
When we had problems with an old plotter we had, no matter how frustrated I’d get with it, Larry always could make us laugh about it.
He will be missed at Kiewit.
Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Larry’s family. I worked with Larry for over 20 years as a supplier to Kiewit and Bibb. He would always take time to visit me with a smile and positive attitude. Thank you Larry for being a good friend.
Paula, Laura & family, I am in shock and at a loss for the right words to express my deepest sympathy. Larry joined our Bibb and Associates family when we were still crawling and trying to make it. His attitude, loyalty and dedication combined with his intellect and thirst for learning earned him a respected leadership role. Rodney, who knows an awful lot, still tells me all the time that Larry would know how to keep our computers humming at the “new” company. But, Larry was a friend above all—I can never recall a disparaging comment from him about anything or anybody—except maybe some CAD software! We will all miss him greatly for all our days. Atleast we got to say goodbye.
Larry was truly a swell guy. He was always pleasant , even when the server was down, or I called him at home after working hours.
He could fix the problem. This one is real tough.He will be missed.
He is home,now.
Goodbye, Larry.
I worked with Larry for nearly 20 years for both Bibb & Associates and Kiewit Power. Larry was always a good friend, willing to listen to your concerns, no matter how busy he was. Larry’s family are in our thoughts and prayers. Larry was always “the cheerful one”. I will miss our talks.
Paula & Laura – Patti and I will keep you both in our thoughts and prayers. Larry was a great friend of mine for many years and I cannot express to you both how much he will be missed. I cannot remember a time we did interact at work when the conversation did not end up with a laugh. We had many great times outside of work that were even more entertaining. I hope you find some comfort in the fact that Larry was a guy so totally dedicated to his family, friends and work, that he will never be forgotten. If there is ever anything we can do, please let us know.
Ed & Patti Elam
Aunt Paula or any of the family thats reading this i really wish i could have been there to at least give him one last hug. I will always keep him in my thoughts. I just really wish i would be able to be there. I never thought this day would come so soon. I will miss him so much.
Also Aunt Paula ask dad for my number i would really like to talk to you.
I miss you,
Your Niece,
Nicole Fussell
Paula and Laura, we will truly miss Larry. He was one of the best in living life and having fun. We still have memories of the Black Eyed Peas at the Holloween Party and Larry catching the biggest fish at the Lake. Lots of memories. We were all fotunate to have known him and joked with him. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you and Larry. What a great guy.
I met Larry in 1997 when I started working at Bibb & Associates (now Kiewit). He was such a quiet person, but full of life, a good-hearted jokester, and reminded me of a big, cuddly teddy bear. I loved chatting with Larry about computer programs or about anything that happened to pop up in the conversation. He was always willing to listen and was not judgmental. If he thought you might have misunderstood something, he was always willing to explain it in terms you could understand and respect. I left Kiewit in 2008 and wish I had kept in touch with Larry. I’m only saddened that I did not get to visit him before he left us, but I am joyfully looking forward to the day when we will be reunited as brother and sister, in Christ, in Heaven. What a glorious day that will be! May God pour out His glorious blessings on Paula, and Laura, and all of his family and friends that are feeling his loss at this time. Thank you God for letting our paths cross. Larry…see you on the other side some day, but hopefully not too soon! Love you brother!
Paula, Laura, family, and friends, I am sorry at your loss and can only imagine what you are going through. You will be in my prayers. I knew Larry from work, and I know how much he did behind the scenes to keep the office running. Even now, things he put in place continue to do their job. I also knew Larry from Bible study meetings. I know he is a Christian, so that is the greatest comfort of all. I know that right now, he is home.
“Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord”.
–
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
Larry – Larry – Larry
You always called me Marcia Marcia Marcia; and always made me laugh. I think laughter must have been your middle name. I will truly miss you and what you brought to our lives. You have been a blessing. I will look for you in the crowd someday.
Paula and Laura, may God comfort you and your entire family, and bring precious memories to mind. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts.
My sincerest sympathy to Paula and family. My prayers are with you. He is with the Lord, our maker. Please let me know if I can help you in any way.
Uncle Lare,
I will never forget the amazing times we spent together from just hangin out at Joe’s house, to the bbq contests, to golf in Manhattan and to New York at Matt’s wedding. I have never laughed as hard with anyone as I did with you, and never drank as much either. We have done some of the most fun, crazy and stupid things together and I wish we had a chance to do more.
I will forever remember the private conversation that I had with you the night before you passed, and will keep it to myself and cherish it forever.
I love you man, and will see you again someday. Say hey to grandpa for me, I just know you two are playing golf somewhere.
Phillip
Paula and family -
i worked with Larry for about 5 years and truly enjoyed working wtih him. He always had a smile (even in crisis moments) and always seemed to be upbeat. One of my favorite memories is him singing (loudly and off key) at a district meeting where we had bibb idol. He will be missed very much. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts.
I never had the opportunity of meeting Larry but received several emails from him at work. He seemed like a nice guy and i know he’s resting in the Lord’s bossom. My thoughts are with Larry’s family and i pray that God gives you all the fortitude to bear your loss.
Paula, Laura & Family:
Becoming an employee in 2002, I immediately noticed that Larry LIVED his christianity – he didn’t just “talk the talk” but he “walked the walk” – ALWAYS willing to answer computer questions without making me feel like the questions were disgustingly simple. Also when at the switchboard, he’d ALWAYS come when called to answer “why” the board wasn’t working. He now has reaped his reward for being a faithful steward of the Lord, and he’ll be sorely missed by all. My sincerest condolences to you – may God Bless you.
It was great sitting right outside Mr. Fussell’s office, when I “broke” something I just had to call his name and he would come to the rescue. I got the “now what did you do” comment. I loved when Larry talked about Paula and Laura, there was no mistake they were the loves of his life. Mr. Fussell was such a fun person to talk to from serious to funny. I am blessed that I knew Mr. Fussell.
I had the honor of working with Larry at Bibb & Associates from 2000 to 2004. His wit & humor would always put a smile on your face. We had some very enjoyable times in our noon Bible study. Larry had such good insight into studying the word of God. He always had a fix for my computer no matter what I managed to do to it. He would just shake his head & laugh. There are people you meet in life that come & stay awhile as a friend & leave their footprints on your heart & life. Larry was one of those people. His passing has been a great loss for this world but what a gain for heaven. May God give to you, Paula & your family his Peace that passes all understanding, touch you with his healing hands to mend your broken hearts &bless you as you face the future. Always remember Larry is just a heart beat away & oh the joy there will be when you meet again in Heaven.
God Bless,
Francene
I worked with Larry for 18 years. In all that time I can attest that Larry was nothing but an amazing person. When I think of Larry all I can see is a smile. He was always so fun to be around and willing to go the extra mile as not only a coworker but as a friend. He may have left but he will not be forgotten and although he has passed I take comfort in knowing that we was a strong Christian. I grieve loosing Larry but I celebrate the fact that I know he is walking with the Lord!!! I pray that your family find peace and comfort in knowing that just like I do!
Paula and Laura I am so sorry for your loss.Just know that he is in a wonderful place right now and is watching over both of you. I know I did not know Larry very well but come to realize through both of you that he was a very wonderful devoted husband and father. may peace be with you and all of your family.
Sincerely,
Lisa Covell
Paula and Laura, he will be greatly missed, but you know he is in a better place and he will watch over both of you, and you know too well how I know this. Paula you have been there for me many times and Larry could always make me laugh. We have 2 Larry’s watching over us now, hope they can keep up with all of us women!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B
I only got to work with Larry for 8 years at Bibb and Associates, but Larry was a good friend. The angels are smiling to have him in heaven. I didn’t know until recently of Larry’s illness, and my shock is great. Paula, Laura and family, my prayers are with you for your loss. Larry was that rare human being that was a friend to everyone and always had a kind word. May God bring you peace.
Larry was an amazing man! I too worked with Larry for 3 years and sat right outside his office. Us girls had no clue what we were doing when it came to computers, but Larry always had the answer for us. I am so very grateful that I was able to talk to Larry through email just last Friday. I told him that his faith would keep him strong and he let me know that Paula and Laura were by his side and were strong as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Larry will forever be missed!
Larry was a rare individual, who could brighten any room he walked into, or put a smile on the face of anyone who was lucky enough to meet him. He was many things to me: first, my mentor, secondly my boss, but he will always be my friend. I owe great deal of my success (both personally and professionally) to the wisdom and experience delivered to me by my good friend Larry, during my 3 years working side by side with him at Bibb and Associates. I consider myself a lucky man to have known him, and my life a better one because he was in it. To Paula, Laura, and all of the Fussell family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Although he is no longer with us, I know that he is with God, looking down on us, and that I’ll see him again some day….and as always, Larry will be smiling.
Please take care, and God Bless
Sincerely,
Jeff Barken
I have known Larry for almost 20 years now as a friend, mentor and coworker, and words cannot describe the person he was to me. When my mother unexpectedly passed last year his words helped me through a very rough time. It was a privilege to know him on many different levels and he will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this trying time.
Paula, Laura, and family. I am so sorry for you loss. It’s my loss too. Larry and I got to be good friends over the last almost 20 years. He always had the ability to make me laugh regardless what kind of mood I was in. I remember staying after work to help him run what seemed like miles of computer cable in the old office. He somehow could keep track of what wires went where. If one of the computers quit, it seemed like he could build a new one with duct tape and and a pair of pliers. We had a lot of fun and I will miss him. Take care and you and your family are in my prayers.
Vera and Debra,
Although i have not seen any of your family in decades, i have fond memories of living up the street on Conser.
I was very sadden to learn of Larry’s passing at such a young age.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
I will have only happy memories of the Larry. I greatly admired his intelligence, his wit and his willingness to go out of his way to help others. I will never forget the many hours spent on the golf course with David, JJ and I. Those were the best times of my life. The world is a lesser place without him.
Get in the cart, Larry
I really enjoyed working with Larry for the last 10 years. Larry was more than a co-worker, he was a friend. He was always there when you needed him, either a computer emergency or a laugh. When a crisis happened, Larry would calmly take care of the issue with a smile on his face. That smile and friendship will truly be missed and remembered forever. Take care.
Paula, Laura and family,
Larry is a man who truly lived the walk described in Rudyard Kipling’s poem IF. Larry also taught me the use of YFFE.
(Your Friend For Eternity).
We were blessed to have him in our lives. He was an ardent student of the Word of God. He lived it and he shared it. He is with us as long as we remember him. Our shared morning greetings
now have a silence. They are remembered.
God’s continued blessings on you all. YFFE Ron
Rudyard Kipling
If
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”;
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run –
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And – which is more – you’ll be a Man my son!
Paula and Laura my heart goes out to you. Words are not enough, just know that I love you and pray for peace for you and the strength you are going to need.
I just found out what happened. I was totally taken by surprise and had I known the seriousness of his illness, I would have called you immediately. I am so, so sorry and very, very sad. I am not going to call you right now because I am sure you are overwhelmed but please, please call me when you feel the time is right for you. You know if you need anything, all you need to do is ask. I love you so very much!
Kathy (727) 215-3559
Larry was my coworker and friend for 10 years here at KPE. Larry had a very difficult job keeping us all from blowing up our computers (especially John Burns)! I was definitely a frequent customer of his. He had a very easy laugh, kept great perspective in the face of “emergency”, and had at least a dozen running inside jokes with all of his coworkers about our computer troubles. Ours was “Festivus for the Rest of Us”, which was the topic of a battle over personal cell phones. I was truly amazed by his grace in his final days and moments, by his very sincere concern and natural ability to “make it easy” on the rest of us, just as he always did when he was working with us everyday. He was remarkable. He signed his e-mails, “I think you’re great” or “I think you’re awesome.” Well, I think he’s great, and I think he’s awesome. And Paula and Laura, Larry thought the two of you were the most awesome of all.
Paula and family,
Larry was a true joy to be with at work. His smile was infectious; that dry sarcastic wit. Whenever Larry had to give a presentation at a company meeting, I always made sure I was in the room, as I knew at the end we would all be smiling at the end! We all know he’s smiling on us, now. God Bless you through your loss.
Paula and Laura-
Reading the above messages shows what a great person Larry was. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I had the opportunity to know Larry better. I know you will miss him very much, but he has run the race and reached the goal of his heavenly home. Love you lots
Dearest Paul and Norma,
Mary and I truly feel the pain of loss and separation that you and your family are suffering……
We sincerely wish Everyone in Larry’s Family Peace and Love in the Healing Time that will follow……
In Jesus’ Precious Name…….Love, Rick and Mary Shepherd
God has taken someone very special to everyone. Larry had that certain something that, just by his presence, he made everyone feel comfortable with themselves. He will be in many, many hearts forever. I look forward to the day I will join Him in the great place he has gone. My heart is heavy and I will miss him.
I truly can’t beleive it. I still see his smiling face with his casual easy going attitude. No matter how bad I may have messed up my computer, it never rattled him. I have some good memories of Larry and will miss him!
I am shocked to heat that Larry has passed. I worked with Larry while I was at Bibb & Associates and he was always happy to help. He was a very pleasant person to work with and I feel so lucky to have known him. My prayers are with you and your family.
Paula, I am so sorry to hear about Larry. My mother says that it was very sudden. Although I haven’t seen him (or you) in quite a while; I remember him to be a very nice, guy with a great sense of humor.
I hope to see you the next time I am in KC. Once, again, please accept my deepest sympathy.
Jeff
I did not know Larry, but got some emails from him at work. I am very sorry for your loss and hope that you can find the strength to move on.
Happy Birthday Lare. Love you Bro!!!
It’s been 2 long years ago March 31st since Lare passed away. Still missing him like it was yesterday. Love you Lare, your Bro.
Just found the obit. Can’t believe it. Just can’t. Almost wished I had not googled. I always liked him. I considered him and Gary my best friends in high school. Can’ believe it. Jesus!
Lewis & Denise, I’m happy you googled Lare! I’m trying to keep his spirit alive which I know he would do the same for me. The Internet is an amazing tool to do that & knowing Lare, he is reading this! Thank’s Lewis! You were very much a part of my life in high school too! Your friend always! Gary
Happy Birthday Lare! Miss you more & more every year! Wish you were here!!! Love you Bro!