Lawrence E. Ree

Beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Friend to all he met. Lawrence “Larry” Edgar Ree, 96, of Wichita, KS, passed away Thursday, September 29, 2016. Born October 18, 1919 in Zumbrota, Minnesota, he was the son of Richard and Julia Enden Ree. He married Bonnie Allen on January 1, 1944. They were married for 50 wonderful years and had a daughter, Donna Kay, whom he lovingly called “D.K.” or “Punkin.” After Bonnie passed in 1994, he was married to Mary Lou Page Ree from 1998 until she passed in 2004. Larry was the grandfather of 4, Kimber (Aaron), Marc (Tracie), Scott, and Lisa (Jason), and the great-grandfather of 9, Kate, Luke, Cole, Ava, Vance, Karsyn, Elyssa, Landon, and Liam. He was preceded in death by his wives, parents, and 2 brothers, Joel and Alton. From May 1944 through February 1946, Larry served in the Navy as a Coxswain, receiving the Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Campaign Medal. Larry attended Wichita State University towards an engineering degree and worked at Beechcraft where he designed cockpit panels for various planes including the King Air, Bonanza, and Starcraft. After 44 years, he retired as a highly respected engineer. Larry was a people-person, known for his bright blue eyes and his laughter that filled the room wherever he went. Because of his passion for Aviation, Larry obtained his pilot's license in 1968. He was a strong golfer, winning many trophies, and loved to bowl and travel. Larry volunteered for years driving for the American Red Cross throughout Kansas, as did Bonnie, volunteering as a Gray Lady. He was an active member at Broadway Christian Church, serving as deacon, elder, and church treasurer. He joined Eastminster Presbyterian Church later in life. Larry was also lovingly known in the family for his “world famous” hamburgers and Christmas Eves in his living room. Visitation will be held on October 4, 2016 at Lakeview Funeral Home at 1pm with the funeral service following at 2pm at the same location. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Larry to the American Red Cross or the Wounded Warrior’s Family Support.