Larry Dean Bervert, 78, of Topeka, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born June 27, 1946 in Topeka, the son of Paul and Mildred (Halstead) Bervert.
He attended Highland Park High School before starting his career at Jim Clark/John Hoffer Chrysler Plymouth as an auto mechanic and continued his career at Goodyear as a maintenance mechanic for 22 years before retiring. He was also a member of the United Steelworkers Local 307 Union.
Larry married Joyce Elaine Nedeau on August 31, 1968 in Topeka and they recently celebrated 56 years together. She survives. Other survivors include three children, Garret Bervert, Kari Blevins (Ben Keithley), and Lisa Wood; six grandchildren, Christopher, Kaylee, Travis, Emily, Carsen, and Lauren; two bonus grandsons, Keegan and Brayden, and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Donna and her husband Darrel Oldham; and one grandson, Brayden Blevins.
Larry was a collector of classic cars, enjoyed attending car shows, swap meets, playing cards and hunting for treasures at garage sales. He spent many hours in his garage working on cars for friends and family in his spare time when his kids were young. After retiring, he built his big dream garage. Larry could often be seen on his golf cart cruising between his and the neighbors’ garages, wearing a path out in the lawns that was appropriately named and marked with his own street sign, “Larry’s Blvd.” Larry often joked that “He who dies with the most toys wins.” One look at his street rods, some dating back to his drag racing days and his other “treasures,” his family is certain he took first place.
He was a friend to many and a stranger to few. A casual man who was most comfortable in shorts and a “grandpa” t-shirt - even in the winter. Family suggests casual attire OR your favorite KC Chiefs, KSU Wildcats, or racing apparel.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Monday evening December 30, 2024 at Parker-Price and Davidson. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 beginning at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery. To read his full obituary or leave the family a message please visit www.ppdfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS 66608
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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