Larry Lee Hirsch Sr.

March 2, 2025

  With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Larry Lee Hirsch Sr., who left us on February 24, 2025, at the age of 81. He passed at his son’s home, with family members present. He was in the care of Hand in Hand Hospice of Emporia, Kansas. 

  Born on January 25, 1944, in Powhattan, Kansas to Alvin Carl and Veda Mae (Cavett) Hirsch. Larry grew up in Powhattan with five older brothers and two younger sisters. Lots of adventures, mischief, and memories were made by this large, fun, hardworking, loving family. Larry had a passion for football and was the high school quarterback, Larry graduated from Powhattan High School in 1962.  He tried out K-State football, but did not enjoy it. 

He moved out to Syracuse, KS. There he met his future wife, Bernita. They married on October 19, 1964. Three children were born to them. Together they shared a married life of 61 years. Larry started driving school bus his senior year of high school. He moved to Syracuse to help build the school addition and hospital.  He also helped build the wood barn at the lumber yard, drove a saltwater truck and worked at the Shamrock gas station. Larry became the butcher of Roy’s Jack and Jill’s grocery store in Syracuse. He was a self-taught, award-winning butcher, he taught many the art of butchering. He held this job for 40 years. Larry and Bernita worked side by side at the grocery for many years, cutting meat and catering events for their community, feeding people at the county fair, school proms, and parties of all kinds. 

After retiring from cutting meat, he and son, Larry Lee Jr., helped set up a new grocery store in Walsh, Colorado. After completion, he then went back to school bus driving for 12 years. He retired in 2020. Larry was a member of the Jaycees; he held the office of President. He was a member of the local Moose Lodge. They enjoyed dancing as a couple at Moose Lodge dances. Larry was an avid bowler and bowled on competitive teams, often going to state. Larry and Bernita traveled the United States, bowling in state competitions. 

He coached both of his son’s little league baseball teams. Larry loved to watch his kids playing sports as they grew up. He worked on the Syracuse High School football chain gang for many years. Larry loved sports of all kinds. The Kansas City Chiefs football team was his favorite. He was also believed to be a “closet” Dallas Cowboy fan. Basketball, that was all Kansas University “Rock Chalk Jayhawks”. Sports of any kind, baseball, golf, hockey, the Olympics, any sport was fair game to watch and enjoy. As his grandkids came along Larry and Bernita would travel to games, plays, and other school events, and birthday parties. The same was true with his great grandkids. He loved being their Papa. 

  Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, and uncle, he cherished his family most of all. Larry is survived by his wife Bernita (Kinzie) Hirsch of Syracuse, KS, sons, Larry (Tonet) Hirsch Jr. of Syracuse, KS, Eric Hirsch of Emporia, KS, daughter Michelle (Hirsch) Gilliam (Larry) Morton of Jetmore, KS, grandsons Joel Bryice (Kayla) Gilliam of Dodge City, KS, Lucas (Taylor) Morton of Cimarron, KS, granddaughters Lauren (Morton) (Ryan) Bass of Atwood, KS, Lindy Morton of Carbondale, CO, Creall  Gracia Seattle, WA, great grandchildren Jaelyn Weber, Bryilee, and Bryicen Gilliam, Emmet, Owen, and Harper Bass, sister Rose (Gene) Odermatt of Topeka, KS, sister-in-laws; Virginia Lee Hirsch of Lorton, VI, Sylvia Hirsch of Tempe, AZ, Mary Hirsch of Hiawatha, KS, Jo Queta (Kinzie) Cano of Galisha, KS, Brooke (Kinzie) (Rev. Danial) Price of Hutchinson, KS, Elva Dean (Asebedo) Kinzie of Nebraska, brother-in-law’s Micheal Brady of Topeka, KS, Raymond (Mary Jane) Kinzie of Tahlequah, OK, Leonard (Nancy Wagner) Kinzie of Rotterdam, NY, Bruce (Lenora) Kinzie of Topeka, KS, Curtis Kinzie of Emporia, KS, Dean (Vickie) Kinzie of Macksville, KS, and numerous nieces and nephews. Larry, our husband, dad, papa, brother, and uncle will forever be missed and will always be held in our memories and always close to our hearts. 

  He was preceded in death by his father Alvin, mother Veda, brothers Fred, Robert (Bob), Leroy, Denis, and James (Jim) Hirsch, sister Carol (Hirsch) Brady, mother-in law Doris (Crozier) (Kinzie) Sevedge, father-in-law Raymond Kinzie Sr., step father-in-law Foy (Fluky) Sevedge, sister-in-law’s Barbara (Harvey) Hirsch, Tamara (Kinzie) Conser, Maxine Gasso. brothers-in-laws Roger Kinzie, and Cliff Conser, nephews Walter, and Robert (Bobby) Hirsch (Jr.), and niece Anna Kinzie.

  A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on March 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM (MST). He will be laid to rest in the Syracuse Cemetery with Graveside Services, William Roberts will officiate the service. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (MST) at the Fellers Funeral Home LLC in Syracuse, KS 

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be payable to Larry Hirsch, Sr. Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Fellers Funeral Home LLC, PO Box 1253, Syracuse, KS 67878. 620-384-5100