Larry Joe Richmond

Larry Joe Richmond

Larry Joe Richmond, 76, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kan. He was born on Nov. 26, 1948, to Joseph William and Vena Bonita (Clary) Richmond. He was born at his grandmother’s house in Vernon County, Mo., and joined two older sisters, Shirley Elizabeth and Bonnie Mae.

Larry grew up in Garland, Kan., where he attended grade school before his family later moved to Fort Scott, Kan. He was baptized at the age of 15, which marked an important milestone in his lifelong Christian faith. Larry attended and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1966. He then went on to earn his associate degree from Fort Scott Community Junior College in 1968. While continuing his education at Pittsburg State University, Larry joined the Kansas Army National Guard and served for six years.

Larry and Mary Frances Clark were married on Aug. 1, 1970, in Fort Scott. They moved to Lyndon, Kan., in 1975, and Larry worked as a mechanic for the Osage County Highway Department. He later worked as a parts manager for farm and agricultural equipment dealerships, first at DeBaun International Inc. in Osage City, Kan., and later McConnell Machinery Co., in Ottawa, Kan., where he remained until his retirement in 2015.

As a young man, Larry worked as a farmhand for his uncle, cousin, and future father-in-law. He had a lifelong love of horses, owning and caring for many throughout his life. In 1972, he attended the Kansas State Horseshoeing School in Girard, Kan., which led him to establish a well-regarded farrier business. Over the years, Larry broke and trained numerous horses and, for a short time, operated a stallion service.

Larry enjoyed riding horses in parades and going on local trail rides with friends and family. He was especially fond of going on extended overnight rides through the Missouri Ozarks and along the Santa Fe Trail. Larry has been a member of the Lyndon Saddle Club and served as president in 1981 and 1982.

Larry was a true family man at heart. A loving husband, he and his wife, Fran, built a life grounded in their Christian faith and created a home filled with love, devotion, and strong family values. Larry was a proud father of two children, a daughter, Chelsea Lee, and a son, Austin Clark. He was always present and involved, whether cheering them on at school and sports events; shearing sheep, hauling animals, or lending a hand at 4-H activities; being active in and attending church; or celebrating birthdays and holidays with those he loved.

He especially cherished his role as a grandfather to his two granddaughters, Karly Renee and Aria Clark, who brought him an endless amount of pride and joy.

Larry also enjoyed the opportunity to travel both domestically and internationally, having visited 42 states, 10 countries, and 102 sites within the National Park Service. He had a love for two-step and swing dancing, enjoyed following the Kansas City Royals, and was a member of the Lyndon United Methodist Church.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Vena Richmond and a sister, Bonnie Nickelson. 

Larry is survived by his wife, Fran, of over 54 years; by his daughter Chelsea Richmond and his son Austin Richmond and wife Kelsey, all of Lyndon, Kan.; by his sister Shirley Colvin of Garland, Kan.; two granddaughters, Karly and Aria Richmond; and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Feltner Funeral Home in Lyndon, Kan. The service will be held Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Lyndon United Methodist Church, followed by burial in Lyndon Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lyndon United Methodist Church or the Lyndon Saddle Club, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Online condolences for the family may be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.