Larry Joseph Carmody

Larry J. Carmody died peacefully on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Council Grove, KS. Services with full military honors will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado on Thursday, 1/29/26 at 11:30 a.m. Arrive at 11:15 a.m. Staging Area White.

Larry Joseph Carmody was born on July 17, 1946, in Carrington, ND. He was the seventh son of James Thomas Carmody and Ethel B. (Hill) Carmody. Larry grew up in Carrington and graduated from high school in 1964. During his senior year he was presented with an opportunity to work part-time as a DJ at the local radio station, “KDAK.” That experience would play a huge part in one of his future endeavors. Larry was also active in high school sports, football and wrestling, and also played drums in the high school band.

Larry was well liked by everyone. He possessed a “gift of gab” and an unforgettable laugh that was contagious. His nickname during high school days was “Hermes,” which probably stemmed from a club founded by him. His friends normally referred to him by that nickname. The legendary “Rat Club” he established in the pool hall below the Buchanan Hotel will always be remembered as being a part of him. He spoke about those fun days often.

After graduation he furthered his education by attending Brown Institute in Minneapolis where he successfully completed their program in broadcasting. That interest which began during his high school days carried him to a number of radio stations in various locations.

Larry’s military service landed him in Vietnam as a field reporter, broadcasting specialist and photojournalist. He was imbedded with the troops on many occasions and would also broadcast news and updates on the radio. He was an avid and astute photographer and at one time had a quite impressive, vivid, collection of photos from that area and conflict. The Army recognized Larry for meritorious achievement by awarding him the prestigious Bronze Star Medal.

After years in the broadcasting field, Larry turned his attention to the insurance industry. His experience in that field included servicing personal individual plans, but the main company he worked for was Gardner & White. Larry’s main focus was directed toward larger corporations with employee groups, such as hospitals. The last keepsake in Larry’s possession was an award trophy he received in 1994 for top sales from Gardner & White. He was very proud of that accomplishment.

When his brother Frank was tragically killed in a construction accident, Larry stepped in to help ease the trauma experienced by Frank’s widow, Irene and their five young children. Eventually, Larry and Irene were married and together they continued to raise the children. Larry and Irene moved to Manhattan, KS where he continued working for Garner & White until his retirement. They lived there until Irene’s death.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Irene; five brothers, Stanley, Richard, Frank, Thomas and Mike and two sisters, Mary Hennessy and Margaret Brady.

He is survived by five stepchildren; Carl, Barbara, Michael, Anthony and Angela, two brothers; Robert (Mary Scripps) Burlington, VT, Roger (Susan) Fergus Falls, MN, and a sister, Debbie Day, Colorado Springs, CO.