Larry Gene Jewett

Larry Gene Jewett, 85, passed away on March 5, 2025, in Burlington, Kansas after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Larry was born on January 18, 1940, in LeRoy, Kansas to Violet "Bea" Williams and Robert "Bob" Jewett. Over the course of his life, he dedicated himself to hard work and service. He began his career as a truck driver before joining the Kansas Army National Guard, where he served for 23 years. Rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2), he worked as a supply technician before retiring from military service. Afterward, Larry pursued various professional endeavors, including owning a bar in Iola and working as a bank courier and at Gates Rubber Company. His keen accounting skills allowed him to assist small businesses with bookkeeping, a role he took pride in.

Larry had a deep love for sports. He enjoyed watching baseball and basketball on television and was actively involved in coaching his children’s baseball teams, along with many other young athletes. His passion for sports extended well into his fifties when he continued playing sports himself. Larry also found joy in simple pleasures—smoking his pipe, enjoying a cold drink, listening to music, and singing along to his favorite songs. He also liked gardening and was ever so proud of his prized irises. Additionally, he invested time in purchasing and renovating houses in LeRoy to provide affordable housing for lower-income tenants, demonstrating his commitment to helping others in his community.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of over 48 years, Becky Jewett; his children Tony Jewett; Russ (Janice) Jewett; Kevin (Teri) Jewett; Kimberly (Vern) Koch; Keenan Jewett; and Kallie Jewett. He also leaves behind grandchildren Makenzie, Sarah, Dalton, Will, Molly, Trenton, Macey, Trinity, and Grayson; as well as great-grandchildren Sophia, David, Alayna, and Elias. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved grandmother Hazel and his sister Jody Sullivan.

A visitation will be held on March 10, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Van Arsdale Funeral Home in LeRoy, Kansas. A funeral service will follow at the same location at 11:30 AM.

Larry’s memory will live on through the lives he touched—his family, friends, and all those who knew him. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southern Coffey County Honor Flight program in c/o Van Arsdale Funeral Home. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr Sides, the nurses and all care staff at the Coffey County Hospital and to Good Shepherd Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care given to Larry during his final days.