Larry Eldon Prince

Larry Eldon Prince was born on Thursday, September 23, 1943, at Bethany Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, to Ardell E. and Leona M. Prince (Hannaman). He was raised in Kansas City, Kansas, where he resided and built the strong foundation of faith, family, and work ethic that would guide his life.

He attended Stanley Grade School (1948–1955) and graduated from Argentine High School in May 1961. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, delivering newspapers and working various jobs throughout his youth before beginning what would become a lifelong railroad career.

On October 17, 1962, he began his career with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. Over the course of 41 years, he served in numerous capacities including Carman Apprentice, Electrician Apprentice, Journeyman Electrician, Shop Electrician, Engineer/Fireman (Amtrak), and ultimately was promoted to Locomotive Engineer. He became a Federal Railroad Administration/U.S. Department of Transportation Certified Locomotive Engineer and later a Certified Instructor for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway from 1993 to 2003. He was a proud member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Division #777, and served as Vice Local Chairman from 1995 to 1997. He retired on November 28, 2003, after 41 years of dedicated service.

In addition to his railroad career, he was a Master Journeyman Electrician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union #866. He was also co-owner of Custom Electric Inc. in Shawnee, Kansas.

He honorably served his country in the United States Army after being inducted on September 15, 1967 in Ft. Bliss, Texas. During the Vietnam Era, he served in Germany with the 8th Division and later with the 4th Aviation Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Battalion (CAB) Helicopter Group, attaining the rank of Specialist Sergeant SP-5 (E-5). He was honorably discharged on September 1, 1973.

A man of strong faith and fellowship, he was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Kansas City, later transferring to First Baptist Church of Shawnee. He was a 32° Scottish Rite Mason of the Kansas City, Kansas Consistory, Wyandotte #3 Lodge, AF&AM Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Car Club Division, reflecting his love of automobiles. In 2004, he moved to Newton, Kansas.

Larry is survived by son, Jason Prince (Natalie) of Gardner KS; daughter, Janis Burger (Prince) (husband, Chad) of KC, KS; Grandchildren, Victoria Petrocy, Derringer Burger, Abigayle Prince, Andrea Prince; Siblings, sister, Helen Delores "Dee" Cooke (Prince) (Dave-husband); brother, Donald R. Prince (Carolyn-wife); brother, Robert G. Prince (Bonnie-wife) both deceased. Larry is also survived by the many friends and loved ones he shared his life with in his later home of Newton, Ks." His life was marked by service — to his nation, his profession, his community, and those he loved. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Weep not for me my loved ones dear

For in this grave I am not here

I am with my Lord forevermore

I will wait for you at Heavens door

-Author unknown 1867