Larry Eugene Wensel

Larry Eugene Wensel, 93, of Plano, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023. He was born on August 27, 1929, in Detroit, Kansas, to the late Floyd & Margaret (Lyon) Wensel. Larry was the second of four sons, and attended a one room school house for the first 8 years of his education. He played football and played both the tuba and trombone in the band, even marching in the half-time show in his football uniform. Larry met his future wife, Maxine, during their freshman year and began dating her shortly after graduation from Dickinson County High School in Chapman, Kansas in 1947. They married on May 27, 1950 and built a life of love and laughter that would last them a lifetime.

Larry enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served during the Korean War and played tuba in the Army band. Following his service, Larry took a job at Collins Radio Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and eventually relocated to Dallas with the company. During his career, he worked as a mechanical designer, retiring in 1991. The highlights of his career included working on the U.S. government Echo satellite as well as the mechanical design of certain components on Air Force One.

Larry was a self-taught auto mechanic, who had a great passion for cars. He especially loved his Corvette and working on new and old cars alike. He had a love for music and instilled an appreciation for music in his children at a young age. Larry enjoyed boating and water skiing, and enjoyed vacationing on the Lake of the Ozarks with his family. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Plano for many years.

More than anything, Larry loved his family and spending time with them. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and considered his family his greatest gift. Larry was easygoing, a calming presence, and exuded kindness in all he did. He was such an appreciative person who was extremely polite and was always willing to help others. His sense of humor was second to none, as he always enjoyed a good laugh. Larry will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Wensel, in 1976; and three brothers, Floyd, Alan, and Max Wensel. He is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Maxine (McVicker) Wensel; two sons and daughters-in-law, Randy Wensel & Janet Robertson of Dalton, Georgia and Craig & Kathryn Wensel of Lantana, Texas; four granddaughters, Nikki (Eric) Rustad of Fort Worth, Texas, Bridget Hernandez of Fort Worth, Texas, Amatey Wensel (Mike Goodwin) of Bartonville, Texas, and Ashley (Ross) Mellen of Frisco, Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Callan Rustad, Jack Hernandez, and Charlie Hernandez.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 11:00am in First United Methodist Church, 3160 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074 with Pastor Judith Reedy officiating.