Larry Colley

‘Obitu-Larry’

Larry Claude Colley passed away in Lawrence on July 13th, 2024. He was survived by his loving daughter, Toni Detherage, three granddaughters, Kali, Skyler, and Ellie Detherage, and their spouses, Kyle Smidt and James Catterson, and a large extended family who all cherished him. His life was filled with friends and neighbors who adored him. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Billie Donna Colley, and his son, Jerry Colley.

Larry was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on May 6th, 1939. That's where he met the love of his life, ‘Donnie’. They married in Lawrence on July 16th, 1959 and started their family there. Larry worked at his most rewarding job for the City of Lawrence Parks Department for about 35 years. Always a dedicated and hardworking person, he loved to beautify and care for his hometown, one that included his beloved Jayhawks. At his retirement he was even honored with his name on a park bench.

Caring for others was his priority and he was loved for this value. To all that knew him, they knew his generous heart and warm spirit, his knack for making people smile and laugh, and his ability to uplift people. After his retirement, Larry used his inventive spirit and artistic talents as the local ‘Sign Man’. He shared his clever and punny handmade signs with local businesses, people he met in passing, and anyone who needed a laugh. They can still be seen all over town. These fun and imaginative projects brought smiles to the faces of many people and spread joy throughout his community. He was as creative as he was kind. The Lawrence Journal World called him, ‘a year-round Santa’. He never met a stranger and he will be deeply missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on September 21, 2024 from 2-6 p.m. at the Union Pacific Depot, 402 N. 2nd Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044. Please RSVP Toni Detherage at tonidetherage@gmail.com to let us know if you can make it. Bring your best ‘Larry’ stories.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Prairie Park Nature Center, 1141 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044, Attn: Holly Daniels.