Larry will not be returning for coffee in Liberal, he has moved on to bigger and better places. He will be enjoying his morning coffee with lots of family and friends in heaven. Larry passed in the comfort of his home on December 12, 2020, he was in the presence of his wife Aleta and his favorite dog Gidgit.
Larry was born on May 9, 1943 in Durant, OK, the son of Otis Whitfield. He married Aleta Mae Warren on June 22, 1968. They were married for 52 years. They raised all 3 of their children in Liberal.
Larry worked at DISCO machine as a machinist for over 40 years and retired January 1, 2018.
Larry loved working! Some would say this was his favorite past time. Before making DISCO, a lifelong career choice Larry worked at National Beef Packing Plant for 6 years. Larry taught machine shop classes at Seward County Community College and he also taught at Trailmobile as well. Some of Larry’s favorite things over the years were bowling on various bowling leagues, he enjoyed cooking for his family, drinking coffee with his friends before work and spending time with his family. Over the years, Larry enjoyed planting his vegetable garden every summer, he also enjoyed planting flowers in the front yard. During the summer he would often plant giant pumpkins. He enjoyed tending to his pumpkins during the fall.
After retirement, Larry loved to get out of the house and do things, he did not like sitting at home. If he was at home, he was probably asleep in his chair holding Gidgit. Larry and Aleta enjoyed going to flea markets, trying new restaurants, going to the casino, and visiting kids and grandkids.
Larry is preceded in death by his father Otis Whitfield, brother JB Whitfield, sister Brenda Guymon, and grandson Scott Fuller. Survivors of the home are Aleta Whitfield and their adult children: Mary Fuller (Wichita, KS), Larry (Karla) Whitfield Jr. (El Dorado, KS), and Wendy (Joel) White (Eudora, KS). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Seth Glenn, Shelby Glenn, Skylar Glenn, Sara Whitfield, Rebeca Whitfield, Donavan Whitfield, Devin Whitfield, and Ryleigh White. Larry also had 5 great-grandchildren.
Larry often talked to Aleta about life and death and living in the moment. A last wish from Larry, words to live by — Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
There will not be a visitation due to COVID restrictions, the family will hold a celebration of his life in Liberal, KS at a future date this coming spring/summer. Family visitation and cremation services have already taken place and burial will take place in the future.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name with the American Heart Association and maybe sent in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
