Larry Utley Obituary
Larry Raymond Utley, 81, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Friday, February 21st, in his home.
Larry was born on December 7, 1943, in Pipestone, Minnesota, to Marvin F. Utley and Florence H. (Lange) Utley. He attended school in Minnesota before moving to La Harpe, Kansas, where he completed his education. A lifelong auto body repair technician and small business owner, Larry dedicated his career to operating Utley's Iola Auto Body.
Active in his community, Larry was also an active member of the Iola Jaycees and served as President of the Iola Car Club. Additionally, he was a proud member of the Iola Elks Lodge for over 43 years.
Beyond his work, Larry found joy in the outdoors. He was often found camping, fishing, boating, and trapshooting. His love for these activities flourished in retirement, as he and his wife spent their winters in Yuma, Arizona, enjoying new friends and activities. An avid animal lover, Larry shared his home over the years with more than ten dogs, one cat, and even one coyote.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother, Jerry Utley.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sharon Utley; sons Curtis (Amy) Utley of Iola and Doug (Christy) Utley of Overland Park; grandchildren Brad (Kassidy) Bazo, Allie Utley, Cooper Utley, and Chase Utley, all of Overland Park; brothers Steve (Shirley) Utley of La Harpe and Dewey (Virginia) Utley of Piqua; sisters Carol (Mel) Knutson of White, South Dakota, and Judy Johnson of Gas, Kansas; as well as numerous other relatives and dear friends.
A funeral service for Larry will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in the chapel at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas. Family will gather to greet friends on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in The Venue at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF) and left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Larry
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Utley
Tell your own story about Larry
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Larry Utley's name
How to support Larry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Larry Utley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
