Larry Joe “L J” Trant, 62, of Everest, KS died unexpectedly Thursday evening, April 18, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

L J was born December 29, 1956 in Horton, KS to Leo and Ina Trant.  He grew up in Everest and graduated from Horton High School with the Class of 1974.  L J continued his education at the Hutchinson Community College starting his career in broadcasting.

LJ’s Voice was an on air presence for several years with Multiple Farm Station Owner & Agriculture broadcaster Larry Steckline in southern and western Kansas, and enjoyed doing the morning show at station WNAD/WWLS 640 AM, in the Oklahoma City Market.  LJ also worked in Salina and Pratt Kansas before starting his 32 year career in Kanzaland. Over the years, L J has earned numerous awards through the Kansas Association of Broadcaster’s, including 4 First place awards in categories from News Reporting to Commercial Advertising.

In 2007 KNZA was named “Station of the Year” by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.

L J also enjoyed golf, water fowl hunting and fishing and although he has never had swimming lessons, would not hesitate to jump in a float plane and fly to a remote northern Canadian Lake to spend a week away from phones and computers.

Survivors include brothers; Leon Trant of Hiawatha, KS, Lee (Susan) Trant of Crescent, Iowa, sister; Betty (James) Taylor of Hutchinson, KS and niece Sarah Trant of Crescent, Iowa.

L J was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Services are planned for 1 p.m., May 2, 2019 at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 210 Lodge Rd, Hiawatha, with Pastor Blake Wyatt officiating.

Memorials are suggested in his name and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. 7th St.  Hiawatha, KS  66434.

Online condolences may be made to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com