Larry Baugher

Larry Lee ‘Pete’ Baugher, 85, of Lawrence, Kansas, died on April 25, 2026 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS. Born in Lawrence on September 16, 1940, to Sheldon and Evelyn McMillen Baugher, Pete attended the one-room Kanwaka school through 8th grade. He graduated from Lecompton High School in 1959, where he played football and basketball.

An avid horseman in his youth, Pete, along with his siblings Gloria and Lavon, were a tough trio to beat, earning accolades in horse shows and rodeos throughout the Midwest. The family were early members of the Douglas County Trail Riders. Later, Pete  turned his interests to Pony Pulling and was a member of the Missouri-Kansas Shetland Pony Pulling Club, the Percentage Pony Pullers Association, and the Midwest Pony Pulling Club.

Pete worked alongside his parents at the Country Corner Gas Station and community store that served the Kanwaka and Stull communities and those traveling across US Highway 40. He held membership in Local 1290 of the Laborers' International Union of North America for 48 years.

Upon retirement, Pete fished many of the area lakes, enjoyed creating birdhouses, flower boxes, and ‘yard art’, and tended a large and varied garden. He generously provided fresh vegetables to friends, neighbors, and just about anyone he met. An animal lover, Pete cared for many cats, dogs, horses, and even a pet coyote. He was an avid Jayhawk and Chiefs fan. Pete lived at Arbor Court Retirement Community, where he was a friend to all, and was voted Prom King at the community Senior Prom.

Pete is survived by niece Bobbie Ward Hinds (Mark), Lawrence; nephews Loren (Lora) Baugher (Baldwin), and Terry Baugher (Eudora); great-nephew Alan Hinds, and great-niece Haley Baugher. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lavon ‘Bub’ Baugher, and sister Gloria Baugher Ward, brother-in-law Russell Ward. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Lecompton Historical Society or the American Cancer Society.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the residents and staff of Arbor Court Retirement Community for their friendship and care, his medical team, especially the nurses, aides, and staff of the 2nd & 4th floors at LMH, and Midland Hospice.

Visitation will be held May 5 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the funeral service Wednesday, May 6 at 10:00, both at Rumsey-Yost.  The family will also be available in the hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow at Stull Cemetery.