Larry Buening Jr.

Larry T. Buening Jr, 75, of Topeka, KS died peacefully in a K-State t-shirt, surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025. Those who knew Larry knew him as a kind, gentle, generous man who cared deeply about his people and his community.

Larry was born in Kansas City, KS to Lawrence T. Buening Sr and Lua E. Bumgardner on April 18, 1950 and spent his formative years in Valley Falls, KS. His parents and brothers Jim Buening and Steve Buening preceded him in death. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1968. Larry was the kind of friend that you would have for life. Some of his dearest friends at the end of his life were friends he had made growing up ‘in Valley’, including his wife of 52 years, Vicki Darlynn (Ferrell) Buening, age 75 of Topeka, KS.

After high school Larry attended Kansas State University where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and served as Chapter President his senior year. Again, at K-State Larry made friends with people he would love and care for the rest of his days. He continued to see Vicki when they could as she completed her education at the University of Kansas and he asked her to marry him in 1972.

Larry and Vicki then moved to Topeka where he attended and graduated from Washburn Law School while also serving in the Kansas National Guard. He had a brief career as a private attorney before he began his 25 year long career at the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts completing his service there as the Executive Director.

As a young man, Larry began a life-long commitment of volunteer work in his community. He had earned Eagle Scout Award on Dec 5, 1964, and this experience inspired him to give time back to his community through involvement with the local Boy Scout Troop at the Capper’s Foundation of Topeka, KS. He was also actively involved in the Kiwanis Club of Topeka and after his retirement ran the summer lunch program at St. David’s Episcopal Church.

While Larry was dedicated to his work, his real dedication was to his family. He is survived by his children Lindsey Buening of St. Louis, MO and Jason (Jannell Neill) Buening, of Manhattan, KS and his granddaughter, Ciera Harding of St. Louis, MO. He spent many an hour on a bleacher watching Lindsey’s gymnastic meets and learned the entire sport of soccer to be able to coach Jason’s games. He found a way to merge his family commitments and passion for K-State sports by often sporting a pair of radio headphones around the house or at events that were broadcasting the K-State game.

His past-times included traveling with Vicki and friends, golfing with a group of close Topeka friends, and a lifelong obsession with completing the daily crossword puzzle in pen.

As a long-time member of St. David’s Episcopal Church and Chairperson of the Outreach Committee, the family requests that memorial contributions support Larry’s community efforts by donating to the St. David’s Food Pantry.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Valley Falls Cemetery.

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