Robert L. Larrabee

Robert (Bob) Larrabee, beloved husband and father, passed away on March 25, 2023.  Bob’s final gift to his wife of 53 years, Marcella, and their children, Jessica, and Robert, was to give them four days together by his side sharing their memories and finding peace knowing that his courageous battle with cancer was over.

Bob was born September 25, 1948, in Dieberg, Germany.  He was adopted by Fred H. Larrabee II and Gloria Goff Larrabee on October 20, 1953, and became a naturalized citizen on January 10, 1958.  Bob graduated from Lawrence High School in 1967.  He had great memories of his LHS football days and forever friends.  Bob and Marcella were married on July 18, 1970, at Trinity Episcopal Church.  He became a 32 ^nd degree Scottish Rite Mason on April 2, 1986.

Bob served as an SP5 in the US Army, and on February 1, 1972, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces in the Republic of Vietnam.

Bob returned home from the army and began his 42-year career at the Kmart Distribution Center.  He retired as an operations Manager in 2014.  Bob worked with and fondly remembered hundreds of coworkers and formed lasting friendships with many.

Bob was proud of the life that he and Marcella built together.  They enjoyed visiting National Parks (his favorite was Yellowstone), beaches, taking road trips and family vacations.  His true passion was sailing on Lake Perry for more than 35 years.

He loved encouraging and watching Jessica perform at her ballet, piano and school recitals, and lettering in tennis with the FSHS tennis team.  He was proud of Jessica for earning her Addiction Counseling degree from Ottawa University and becoming a licensed counselor at Valley Hope.

Bob loved watching Robert play baseball, attending his school recitals, Boy Scout ceremonies and accompanying him to Washington DC to watch him sing with the Trinity Choristers at the National Cathedral.  He was especially proud of Robert for earning and becoming an Eagle Scout.

By example, Bob taught Jessica and Robert the importance of hard work, not quitting, being a good friend and the love of family.  His children were the world to him.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marcella, of the home; Jessica DeVore (Joshua), Lawrence; and Robert Larrabee II (Heather), Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Fred Larrabee III; sister, Lisa Berry Jackson; and his grandparents Melvin “Cotton” Goff and Marguerite Goff of Lawrence.

The family will greet friends 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 14, 2023, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the DAV-Disabled American Veterans, or Lawrence Memorial Hospital Nursing and Aide staff, and/or the Housekeeping Department. Contributions may be sent in the care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13 ^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.