Larry V. Eckert

Lawrence Vincent "Larry" Eckert, age 83, of Nortonville, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and children on the very farm he loved and worked for decades.

Born during a blizzard on New Year's Day near Effingham, Kansas, Larry entered the world with grit-so much snow fell that the midwife didn't arrive until three days later. He was the son of Glen and Catherine Eckert, and one of six children raised on the family farm, where his lifelong love of tractors began. At just 13, he lost his mother to cancer, an early loss that shaped the strength and resilience he carried throughout his life.

Larry graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1961 and went on to serve his country in the United States Navy. He proudly served aboard the USS Saratoga during the Cuban Missile Blockade, on a European tour, and in the Vietnam War. A proud veteran, Larry wore his service with honor, often donning his veteran hats and shirts with pride.

On October 29, 1966, he married Sharon Blair at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Together they purchased a 120-acre farm outside Nortonville, where they built a life of hard work, dedication, and love. Larry raised crops, worked at the Pillsbury flour mill for 18 years, raised hogs, and eventually built the home where he and Sharon raised their family. Larry and Sharon were blessed with three children: Rich (Christie), Stacy, and Tiffany (Jaime). Later in life he became a grandfather to five: Kate, Wesley, Elizabeth, Jax, and Blaze-each of whom he proudly and endlessly supported in all their endeavors. Additional survivors include two sisters, Gelene August, and Dorothy Chandler. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers John and Jake Eckert, and one sister Mary Ann Sheeley.

Larry was a true steward of the land and a passionate fan of fast cars and green tractors. A lifelong John Deere man, he began with a JD 620 and grew his collection over the years. His garage also housed a lineup of muscle car legends, a few of which all earned family fame for nearly becoming a delivery room for each of his children. Whether cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, rooting for the Jayhawks, or simply bragging about his grandkids, Larry lived life with heart, humor, and horsepower.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Effingham, Kansas, with burial to follow at St. Ann's Cemetery. Lunch will be served in the parish hall following the service. Flowers can be sent to St. Ann's Church or donations can be made to the ACCHS Foundation in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the cremation services. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com. .