Obituaries / LJWorld.com

Obituaries

A memorial service for Larry F. Walburn, 69, Lawrence, will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Central United Methodist Church. Private burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.Mr. Walburn died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, at his home.He was born June 17, 1939, in Michigan Valley, the son of Gerald F. and Letha J. Mitchell Walburn.He graduated from Ottawa High School with the Class of 1957. Following graduation he worked for Wassmer’s Clothing in Ottawa prior to joining the United States Air Force. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he launched a 36-year career in the automotive industry when he joined Jim Clark Chrysler-Plymouth of Topeka in 1969. In 1972, he and his family moved from Topeka to St. Joseph, Mo., to open Jim Clark Dodge, Chrysler-Plymouth. They moved in 1975 to Lawrence, where he was vice-president and co-owner of Jim Clark Motors until his retirement in January 2006.Mr. Walburn received numerous awards and recognition from Chrysler Corporation for outstanding service and sales. He was active in the Lawrence community. He was a leader in Boy Scout programs, and especially enjoyed the Pinewood Derby. He was also involved with the Toys for Tots program in Lawrence. A member of the Central United Methodist Church of Lawrence, he served as chairman of the Pastor/Parish Relations Committee for 10 years. While in Ottawa, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church and had been a member and a leader of the Ottawa Jaycees.Survivors include his wife, Judy Clark Walburn; five children, Todd and wife Melissa, Topeka, Wendy Echtermeyer and husband Matt, Denver, Colo., Greg, Lawrence, Jamie Mulanax and husband Douglas, Augusta, Ga., and Scott and wife Ashley, Houston; seven grandchildren, Grayson and Kennedy Walburn, Corbin Echtermeyer, Hannah Kate and Molly Mulanax, and Jack and Henry Walburn; his mother, Lawrence; a brother, John E., Ottawa; a sister, Peggy J. Thornton, Lyndon; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald F. Walburn, and a granddaughter, Emily Caroline Mulanax.There will be no visitation.The family suggests memorials to Central United Methodist Church, sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.Online condolences may be sent at warrenmcelwain.com, subject: Walburn.