Larry was born on January 7, 1935 to John and Elizabeth (Brink) Nash, the youngest of four children. His love of sports began in childhood with participation in basketball, baseball, and waterskiing. Family trips through the Midwest and to Niagara Falls and Canada sparked an interest in travel that continued throughout his life. A hard worker from a young age, Larry started working as a golf caddy at Kansas City Country Club at age 10. As a teenager, he was a soda jerk at Country Club Dairy and sold Christmas trees on the Plaza.
Larry was baptized into the Catholic Church as an infant and went to Our Lady of Good Counsel grade school. He served as an altar boy during his childhood. He was formerly a member of St. Matthew’s church and recently rejoined St. Catherine of Siena, both in south Kansas City.
A lifelong Kansas City resident, Larry graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1952. He then enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged after 2 years of service. He and Helyn Cassidy were married at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in 1959. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary July 25, 2020. Together, they raised 5 children - Terrence, Michelle, Dan, Laura, and Nancy.
Larry was a Journeyman Plumber, retired from Midwest Mechanical Contractors. He was a member of Plumber’s Local #8 for over 60 years.
Larry enjoyed family vacations to historical sites, national parks, and amusement parks. After retirement, he and Helyn continued to travel for a number of years. Family time was filled with many games including cribbage, bingo, and Uno. Larry especially enjoyed games with his grandchildren - usually followed by a bowl of ice cream. Larry had a love of history and enjoyed telling stories both about his remembrances of historical events and everyday life. He liked to quiz his grandchildren over what happened today in history until they learned to turn the tables and quiz Grandpa. Summers were a time for doing yard work, listening to the Royals on his transistor radio, and enjoying a cool bottle of Bud. He even kept the Chiefs Super Bowl win on his DVR.
As a proud Democrat, Larry was glad to be able to vote once again this past November.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Jack Nash, Betty Kupersmith (Leo), and Margie Shine (Frank). He is survived by his wife Helyn, children Terrence, Michelle, Dan (Sarah Hirsch), Laura Baker, and Nancy Overfield (Lance). Larry is also survived by his 8 grandchildren - Eleanor, Kate, and Leo Nash; Katie and Kerrie Baker; and Maggie, Nash, and John Overfield. He is also survived by his sister in law Joyce Nash and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Neal Erickson, Dr. Craig Lundgren, and Dr. Sukumar Ethirajan (“Dr. ET”) and their staff for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank Interim Hospice Care. Their care and guidance allowed Larry to pass away peacefully at home from prostate cancer.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be a private funeral mass and burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery for immediate family only with no visitation. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Kupersmith, Mark Kupersmith, Dan Shine, Pat Nash, Jim Runions, Steve Roach and David Williamson. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s name to Interim Hospice or Bishop Sullivan Center.
DONATIONS
Interim Hospice10977 Granada Lane, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66211
Bishop Sullivan Center6435 E. Truman Road, Kansas City, MO 64126
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