Larry Laverne Byers.... Age 78

Larry L. Byers, a retired community newspaperman, died January 28, 2022 at Good Samaritan Society, in Olathe, KS. He was 78.

Larry was born January 4, 1944 in Paola, KS, son of Harry L. Byers and Velma I. (Clark) Byers of Parker, KS.

Larry attended the first three grades of school at the Cadmus Elementary School in the Linn County community of Cadmus, KS. In 1953, the family moved to Osawatomie where he attended the Osawatomie school system. After graduating from Osawatomie High in 1961, Larry attended Kansas State College of Pittsburg for one year.

As a high school and college student, Larry was a part-time employee at the Osawatomie Graphic-News, becoming a printer’s apprentice. In July 1962, Larry became a reporter-photographer for the Graphic-News. During his time as a reporter, he also was a freelance correspondent for The Kansas City Star, The Wichita Eagle, Topeka Capital Journal, The Associated Press and the United Press International.

Larry and his wife Deanna, who were high school sweethearts, graduated from O.H.S. in 1961. They were married February 29, 1964 at the First Baptist Church in Osawatomie, KS. The couple was inseparable for almost 58 years. From this marriage, they raised three children.

In 1973, Larry and Deanna acquired the former Herington Advertiser-Times newspaper, in Herington, KS, in a partnership with Web Hawkins and K.B. Bruce. The local paper was renamed The Herington Times. Larry and Deanna became sole owners of the newspaper in 1984. The Byers couple continued to operate the Herington newspaper until the end of April, 2007. While managing The Herington Times, Larry was an active member of the Kansas Press Association, serving on the Board of Directors in the late 1990’s and as the Association President in 1999-2000.

In his early years in Osawatomie, Larry served on the Board of Directors of the Osawatomie Chamber of Commerce and Osawatomie Jaycees. He was a 40-year member of the Osawatomie Elks Lodge. In 2016, Larry received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Osawatomie Alumni Association for his many years of service and support of his hometown.

While a Herington resident, Larry was involved with the Herington Chamber of Commerce for many years, serving on the Board of Directors, as well as President. Larry was a member of the Herington Lions Club, where he presided as President. He enjoyed being involved as a board member for the Herington Kids Wrestling Club and serving his community in 1987 as the Publicity Chairman for the Herington Centennial.

Larry will be remembered for his years in both Osawatomie and Herington as a compassionate, kind, humble, and hardworking man that always tried to bring out the positive in each of his hometowns. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone and it wasn’t possible to be around him without walking away with a smile on your face.

Following his retirement from the newspaper in 2007, Larry and Deanna relocated to Johnson County, KS. During retirement, he enjoyed attending and following his grandchildrens’ many activities and traveling with Deanna. His passion for railroad history and photography led them down many dusty country roads trying to capture that special photo. It allowed him the opportunity to contribute and share his collections with his fellow railroad enthusiasts throughout the state and nation as well as national publications. His family and friends were proud to call him son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandpa and friend and the lasting impact he left on those who knew and loved him cannot be measured. Larry loved his family whole heartedly and demonstrated that daily with his kind, dependable, and committed ways.

Larry was baptized at the First Methodist Church in Osawatomie during his youth. In recent years, he became a member of the Grace Baptist Church in Gardner.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Donald “Donnie” Byers, and a sister, Beverly Byers.

Survivors: wife Deanna Byers, children Michael Byers (Dana) of Lindsborg, Wendy Eaton (Jim) of Gardner, Tom Byers (Tana) of Shawnee, 8 grandchildren, Sydney Eaton, Caden Byers, Connor Byers, Carson Byers, Makinley Eaton, Ethan Byers, Dain Priddy and Tyson Priddy; sister, Alberta Fox of Clay Center, Sharon Davey (Dennis) of Osawatomie, and sister-in-law, Patsy Byers of Welch, OK., and many nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 10:00am. The funeral service will be held immediately following at 11:00am, at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie, KS. Interment will follow at the Osawatomie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

Osawatomie Alumni Association

Herington Historical Society and Museum