Lawrence J. McDonnell

McDonnell

Lawrence J. McDonnell

Larry McDonnell passed away peacefully on February 1, 2023. He is survived by Artiss, his wife of 65 years, five children, Eric (Roberta), Tracy, Kelly (Eugene), Mary, Alex (Alice), and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Joe, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry was born in Salina, Kansas, the second of four children to John and Edith McDonnell. He grew up with his older brother Chris, sister Nancy and Joe. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Salina, and was a standout athlete there, playing football, basketball and baseball.

After graduation, Larry joined the Navy, and served on an underwater demolition team during World War Two. He participated in Operation Crossroads, the atomic bomb test on the Bikini Atoll, and later in the occupation of Japan.

When the war ended, Larry's focus turned to education. He was a teacher, and received a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas, then later a master's degree in education and international relations from the University of Denver.

In 1952, he joined the U.S. Foreign Service, first stationed in Inchon during the Korean War, with later tours of duty in Japan, the Sudan, Taiwan, Vietnam and Burma (Myanmar). Larry retired in 1979.

His retirement allowed him to pursue his passion for tennis on a full-time basis. He began playing during his time in Vietnam, and later became an active member of the U.S. Tennis Association. Competitive amateur tennis essentially became Larry's second career. At 94, he retired from playing, at which time he held a national ranking in his age group in singles and in doubles.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry's name to So Others Might Eat (some.org).

Condolences may be shared on Larry's tribute wall at pumphreyfuneralhome.com.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held later this year.