Lawrence D. Wolkey

Lawrence (Larry) D. Wolkey passed away on January 22, 2025 after a lengthy illness. He was born September 24, 1936 to Virgil Ervin and Anna Elizabeth (Schlichenmaier) Wolkey in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1954, Larry graduated from Paseo High School, where he played multiple varsity sports. His baseball skills got notice, and he was invited to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals farm team. Instead, he attended the University of Missouri at Warrensburg, where he concentrated his studies in math, chemistry and physics. During his sophomore year, he met his future bride, Barbara Thiel, resulting in 68 years of marriage.

He began working at Procter & Gamble in 1957 where he was originally employed as a chemical analyst. Within a year, he has been elected as the union vice president. Decades later, he decided to switch his focus, and pursued an education to become an electrician at the same company. He retired from P & G in 1992.

Larry was the father of three – Laurel Anne (Quinn), Robin Shawn (Houghton) and Curtis Lawrence Wolkey. He was an involved dad who drove his children to their activities, coached baseball, and went to father/daughter dances.

He was also the proud grandfather of 9 – Timothy Curtis Wolkey (Emily); Danielle Shea Maheux (Steve); Kristin Marie Wolkey; Colin Matthew Quinn (Micala); Matthew Jared Houghton; Jordan Leigh Mace (Tristan); Brendan Michael Quinn (Jennifer); Garrett Michael Houghton; and Sarah Mackenzie Quinn.

He also was the great-grandfather of 13 – Mclaren, George, Thomas, Caroline and Charles Quinn; Aurelia and Julian Maheux; Carter and Beckett Mace; Brody and Rori Quinn; and Mary Kate and Claire Wolkey.

Larry loved the outdoors and following his retirement, moved with Barbara to the Lake of the Ozarks, where he enjoyed fishing, boating and romping with his beloved dogs. He was fond of spending time with his grandkids there, teaching them to fish and water ski. A renowned storyteller, he was known for his sense of humor, his elaborate pranks and his ability to turn strangers into friends.

A passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan, Larry and his friends sat behind the home bench at Municipal Stadium, where they offered Coach Hank Stram “helpful” advice. They were so rowdy that a reporter said they sounded like a pack of wolves – hence, the birth of the Wolf Pack.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Anna Wolkey; his sister, Beverly Ann Chouinard; his son, Curtis Lawrence Wolkey; his granddaughter, Kristin Marie Wolkey; his grandson, Matthew Jared Houghton; and his great-grandson, George Kent Quinn.

At Larry’s request, there will be no memorial service, but rather a celebration of life at a later date. Memorial gifts in his honor may be made to Advanced Home Health and Hospice of Kansas City.