Kestner, Larry Lee's Obituary
Born in Eureka, Kansas, and stubbornly rooted in his own ways ever since, Larry Lee Kestner lived a life that could never be called dull. He was funny, fiery, opinionated, and at times, let's be honest... an absolute pain in the ass. But he was our pain in the ass, and we loved him for it. Larry proudly served in not one, but two branches of the military, both the Army and the Marine Corps. Where he fed soldiers and probably told them off in equal measure. He later wore many hats: husband, father, coach, hunter, craftsman, and family legend. Whether he was building something in the shop, yelling at a ball game, or giving advice you didn't ask for (but usually needed), Larry lived exactly as he pleased. For 61 years, he shared life's chaos and laughter with his beautiful wife, Shirley, who deserves a medal for putting up with him that long. Together they raised six kids, filling the house with noise, love, and more stories than could ever be told in one lifetime. From those six came nineteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandbabies, and countless honorary additions he "adopted" along the way. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his beloved grandson Travis York. Who no doubt welcomed him on the other side with a good laugh and a smart remark of how the Mariners lost their ticket to the World Series that night. He leaves behind a family that knows how to work hard, speak their mind, and find humor even when life gets tough. All lessons he taught, whether you wanted to learn them or not. Larry's legacy isn't found in fancy words, it's in the grit, laughter, and love that run deep in everyone who knew him. He lived loud, he loved big, and he sure as hell left his mark.
What’s your fondest memory of Larry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Larry?
Share a story where Larry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Larry you’ll never forget.
How did Larry make you smile?