Lawrence Joseph Abbott

Lawrence Joseph Abbott — known to pretty much everyone as Larry — left this world on January 14, 2026, just two days after turning 54. Larry wasn’t the guy holding court or filling the silence. He was the one off to the side, watching everything with that steady, thoughtful look of his. When he spoke, it was because he meant it — usually with a dry, straight‑to‑the‑point honesty that could make you laugh or make you think, sometimes both.

He was Linda’s son, Brandee’s big brother, Owen’s dad, and Uncle Larry to Megan and Lane. But he also belonged to a circle of people who’d known him for years — the ones who saw him through the good stretches and the hard ones, who understood the quiet ways he showed up, even when he didn’t say much about it.

Larry had a soft spot for cars, motorcycles (#50),the Blue Angels, live music and his family— the things that pulled him out of his shell and lit him up in that subtle way only his people recognized. He didn’t need a spotlight; he just needed the things and the folks he cared about.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Barn at Randelwood Estates, 1629 E 800th Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049. In place of flowers or plants, donations may be made to help with expenses sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

If you knew Larry, you’re invited to raise a glass in his honor — not out of ceremony, but because that’s how he’d want to be remembered: with a little warmth, a little honesty, and a story or two shared among friends.

He didn’t make a lot of noise in this world, but he made an impact in the ways that matter.