Larry Edward Heinen

A celebration of life for Larry Edward Heinen, 83, Wichita, formerly of Lawrence, will be held at 3 p.m. on June 12th with a visitation from 2 – 3 p.m. prior to the service at Warren McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Kansas. Larry passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021 in Wichita, KS.

Larry was born on March 21, 1938 in Baldwin City, KS, the son of Alvin and Julia (Taul) Heinen.

Larry graduated from Overbrook High School in Overbrook, KS.

Larry married Yvonne (Dillon) Heinen on March 5, 1955.

He was a dental equipment installer, and repair technician for Pattison-McGrath Company Dental Supplies in Kansas City. He then went on to become a dental supply sales representative for Patterson Dental supply company in Kansas City where he received many awards for being the top sales representative of his region for many years.

Larry’s passion in his youth was baseball. He was a pitcher for the Ottawa American Legion, and was later drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies at the age of 16. He continued his love for the game playing fast pitch softball around the Lawrence area.

He was a member of the Church of the Brethren in Lone Star Ks, and a former member of the Lawrence Optimist Club. Larry was an avid bicyclist and established the Geezer Bike Group in Wichita Ks. He also enjoyed sailing, fishing, hunting, travel, camping and photography. He was an accomplished wood carver especially known for his unique hand carved Santa Clauses. He also taught wood carving through adult education in Lawrence. The Lawrence Journal World published an article about his unique wood carvings in 1993. He coached youth basketball, softball, and was a Lone Star 4-H club leader.

In retirement, winters were spent in Arizona off roading in his Jeep in the desert and mountains. Summers were spent in Wichita, KS where he loved attending all of his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sporting events.

He is survived by his wife Yvonne (Dillion) Heinen of 66 years.

Other survivors include his two daughters, Lori (Herb) Llewellyn, El Dorado, KS; Stacy (Jeff) Kleymann, Andover, KS; five grandchildren, Caitlin (Colby) Killian, El Dorado, Ks; Gareth Llewellyn (Soemarie Aviles Berdicia) Ventura, CA; Branson (Macy) McCune, Augusta, KS; Marron Kleymann, Sandpoint, ID; Hayd’n Kleymann, Andover, KS; five great grandchildren, Cash, Lanie, Briggs, Beckett, and Brantley; one sister, Letha (Jim) Herschell, Barstow, CA; one niece, Dawn (Ross) Vierria, Cody, WY; two great nephews, Alex; Jack. One uncle C.T. Taul, Baldwin City, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Terry Johnson.

He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s name to AARTI (Andover Augusta Rail Trail Initiative) P.O. Box 692 Andover, Ks 67002 or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.