Lawrence M. Burmaster

1959 - 2024

Lawrence M Burmaster

November 6, 1959 - October 29, 2024

Lenexa, Kansas - Lawrence (Larry) M. Burmaster, long-time resident of Johnson County, Kansas passed away peacefully at his home on October 29th, 2024. Larry was 64 years old.

Larry was a Father, a brother, a friend, and a former public servant. Services for Larry will be announced shortly.

Larry was born Lawrence M. Burmaster on November 6, 1959, in West Des Moines, Iowa. Larry's proud parents were Lawrence and Peggy Burmaster. Larry had one older brother and would later be joined by two younger brothers. Larry's Father, Lawrence, was a successful salesman, a Kansas native, and a decorated veteran of World War II. Lawrence heard the call of his country in 1942 and enlisted in the Army (he was just 17, and lied about his age). Larry's Mother, Peggy, grew up in Iowa, became a teacher, and met Lawrence while she was teaching kindergarten in Moran, Kansas.

Larry and his brothers were raised in Prairie Village, Kansas in the 60s and 70s. From an early age, Larry was creative, gregarious, hilarious, and talented in many things. Larry attended Prairie Elementary, Indian Hills Junior High, and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School. At SME, Larry was a member of the gymnastics team and the debate team. Larry attended Prairie Baptist Church, accepted Christ as his savior, and was baptized. While in school, Larry worked at the local Safeway store, worked diligently to be awarded a black belt at Shotokan Karate, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 96. Larry went on to attend the University of Kansas and pledged the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Larry was later elected President of the fraternity and served for a year in that position. Larry graduated from KU with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

After college, Larry accepted a job in sales with the Sunshine Biscuit Company, famous for Cheez-It crackers. However, Larry heard the call of public service and enrolled in the police academy at the Johnson County Community College where he graduated with honors. Larry became a police officer and served in the City of Shawnee, Kansas and later with the KCMO PD as a training officer. On March 30th of 1993, Larry's family and friends were stunned when they heard William Shatner, famous for Star Trek, announce Larry's name on national television. As part of the television show Rescue 911, Mr. Shatner described in detail Larry's efforts and part in saving the lives of young twin boys who had fallen on top of a pool cover and were drowning. The boys survived due to the heroic efforts of Larry and other member of the Shawnee P.D. and E.M.S.

After retiring from the police force, Larry returned to school to earn his Computer Information Systems certification with Johnson County Community College. He then worked as a Business Analyst for YRC freight, where his work with technology continued to fascinate him for many years.

In later years, Larry was self-employed and lived alone, but he dearly loved his daughter, Holly, and was immensely proud of her. Larry was pre-deceased by his Mother and Father. Larry is survived by his daughter and his three brothers.

Larry was loved and admired for so many things. He will be greatly missed.