Lawrence "Larry" Paul Anthes

Lawrence Paul Anthes- known affectionately as "Larry" to his friends, "Mr. Anthes" to his students, and “Gramps” to his beloved grandchildren, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home at the age of 81, on May 15, 2026, with his wife of 54 years, Deborah, and his daughter, Elizabeth, by his side. As the strong hand of the family and a devoted Lutheran, Larry lived a steadfast life anchored by his unwavering faith, a lifelong passion for education, and a deep, enduring love for his family.

Born on September 9, 1944, at the Army Hospital at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, Missouri, Larry was the eldest of six children born to Paul and Ruth Anthes. Growing up alongside his siblings- Judy, Dale, James, John, and Karen- Larry’s early years took the family from St. Louis to Bunceton, and eventually to Sedalia, Missouri.

Larry’s strong work ethic was evident early on. During his years at Smith Cotton High School, he worked his first jobs helping make salad dressing and hors d'oeuvres at the Old Missouri Homestead, and taking food to customers at the Missouri State Fair concession stands. He was highly active as a teenager, participating in the Boy Scouts at Camp Pahets, the Latin Club, the Drama Club, and Exhibition Square Dancing—a hobby he started in the 8th grade and carried well into adulthood.

At just 17 years old, Larry enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1962 to 1965 during the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis. After attending Boot Camp in San Diego and meteorology training in New Jersey, he was stationed in Kingsville, Texas. Working in the weather department, he assisted pilots in training until his service concluded as the Vietnam War escalated.

Following his military service, Larry pursued his calling in education. Coming from a family of Lutheran ministers, faith and guidance were in his blood. He attended St. Paul’s Junior College in Concordia, Missouri ('65–'67) and Concordia Teacher College in Seward, Nebraska ('67–'69). During his four years of college, he spent his summers working as a lifeguard and swim instructor, at Camp Bob White in Knob Noster State Park. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Deborah Sue. The two were married at the Paseo Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, Missouri on August 14, 1971.

Larry’s teaching career began in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he taught 3rd grade at St. John’s Lutheran Grade School. He and Deborah eventually moved to Missouri, settling first in the Oak Tree Square Apartments in Grandview, where he taught 6th grade at Conn-West Elementary from 1973 to 1981. They later moved to Herrick Avenue in Grandview, and Larry spent the next two decades (1981–2000) sharing his love of numbers as a 7th and 8th grade math teacher at East Junior High and Martin City Middle School. For years, they square danced, with the Longview Twisters. As longtime members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, he was always strong in his faith, and in his beliefs. You always knew where Larry stood.

Above all his professional accomplishments, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. He was a proud Dad to Joshua Adam (wife: Christine), Elizabeth Anne (husband: Casey Cooper), and Aaron Paul (wife: Mandy Anthes). Beginning September 2008, he stepped effortlessly into his favorite role as "Gramps" to his six grandchildren from oldest to youngest: Bella Cooper, Hallie Anthes, Evelyn Anthes, Abby Anthes, Austin Anthes, and Carson Cooper. Whether it was talking to them over the phone, texting, seeing each other virtually or in person, he cherished every moment.

Larry was a man of many wonderful hobbies and highly specific favorites. He loved gardening, fishing, painting, drawing, and reading. He also collected arrowheads, rocks, and miniature horse figures. He was a thoughtful and caring man- who never missed a family member’s birthday, anniversary, or a holiday tradition- always ensured a card, gift or message was delivered or given early or right on time.

Every summer, he loved taking the family to Truman Lake for a week of camping in their pop-up, fishing and making “blue gill burgers.” Larry enjoyed swimming and throwing his children off his shoulders into the pool. After his children were grown with kids of their own, he loved visiting with them at Table Rock Lake- to sit on the dock, take a leisure boat ride, or catch a “big one” with his hook and worm.

Larry is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and siblings- Judy, James, John and Karen. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Charles Anthes and mother, Ruth Claire Anthes (Lossner), and brother, Dale.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Longview Funeral Home & Cemetery, 12700 South Raytown Rd., Kansas City, Missouri 64149-1044 on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Visitation with family will begin at 1PM. Service to follow at 2PM and graveside with military honors at 3PM.