Lawrence Gene “Larry” Desbien

Lawrence Gene “Larry” Desbien, 69, of Damar, passed away Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays.

He was born February 13, 1955, to Phillip E. and Verna O. (Simoneau) Desbien in Hays. He grew up with his six siblings in and around the Damar area. He attended grade school in Damar and graduated from Palco High School in 1973.

Following graduation, he attended Vocational Tech in Beloit, Kansas, and became an electrician. Larry married Christine Hamel on June 14, 1975, in Zurich, and together, they raised five children. His first job in his field was at Hadley Hospital in Hays. He then worked in maintenance at St. Anthony Hospital, also in Hays, and the hospital in LaCrosse.

In 1980, Larry enlisted in the United States Air Force. Here, he became a ground radio communications craftsman. Six years of his service were filled with many overseas deployments, including Alaska, Japan, Australia, Guam, and France. Throughout his military service, Larry displayed a deep commitment to his country. Following 20 years of military service, he retired with the rank of Master Sergeant and returned to Damar. Beyond his military career, he was a pillar of strength and support for his family, friends, and community. He organized and led the Memorial Services on Memorial Day in Damar and Bogue until his health declined.

Family and Faith were always the most important part of Larry’s life. Larry was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Joseph Church in Damar. He gave his time and talents as a Religious Education teacher, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector.

As a civilian, Larry substitute taught in the area and soon became the maintenance and transportation director for USD 269. A few years later, Larry joined the Midwest Community Bank staff in Plainville and Palco. He began as a loan officer and later became a compliance officer until he retired.

Full retirement kept Larry very active and busy. As a grandpa of 16, he was hands-on. He willingly accepted the duty of sexton for St. Joseph Cemetery and had various hobbies and projects he was always excited to tell you about. And his story wouldn’t be complete if we left out his love for raising cattle.

Left to mourn Larry and to follow his legacy of love and service are his devoted wife, Chris of Damar; sons: Perry Desbien of Smith Center and Travis Desbien and wife Rachael of Hill City; daughters: Mindy Desbien of Damar, Tracy Stithem and husband Chris of Topeka and Savannah Desbien of Topeka; brothers: Ed Desbien and wife Mary of Boise City, Okla., Jim Desbien and wife Paula of Plainville, Richard Desbien and wife Wanda of Nampa, Idaho; sisters: Gerry and husband Don Larson of Hays, Chris Sillin of Hutchinson, and Sheila and husband J. F. Surmeier of St. Joseph, Mo.; 16 grandchildren: Emily, Amber, Jason, Brady, Rylan, Lincoln, Scarlet, Graham, Alexis, Parker, Maelyn, Nolan, Evelyn, Ellie, Emmett, and Bentley; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Larry’s warm smile, kind heart, and gentle spirit endeared him to all who knew him. He will be remembered fondly for his sense of humor, love of adventure, and steadfast loyalty to those he cherished. Rest in Peace, good and faithful servant.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m., all at the church.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery and may be sent to Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N. Pomeroy Ave, Hill City, KS 67642.