Larry Carl Matthias, 83, of rural Horton went to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family, on July 29th at Amberwell-Hiawatha Hospital.

Larry was born on July 17, 1939, at the Horton Hospital, one of eight children to Carl A. and Mildred (Davey) Matthias. Larry attended elementary school at Belleview and Denton, began high school at Huron, Kansas, and graduated in 1958 from ACCHS in Effingham, Kansas. While in high school, Larry was a three sport athlete and excelled in basketball, holding several school records for many, many years. Larry served in the United States Coast Guard from 1958 to 1962. After basic training in Cape May, New Jersey, Larry was stationed in the British West Indies, Groton, Connecticut, Ketchikan, Alaska, and St. Louis, Missouri. Larry was a trained electrician, working on LORAN transmitting stations and lighthouses along the Alaskan coast. He finished his military service at the Coast Guard Station in St Louis.

A baptized member of the Larkenburg Christian Church, Larry serving as a board member and as board president. He was a member of American Legion Post #58 , Jackson County Rural Water Board, and Atchison County Dairy Board. Larry married Etta Mae Jacobs on December 17, 1961, at the First Christian Church in Atchison, Kansas. To this union five children were born: Debbie, Janet, Darrin, Tim and Tod. Larry’s chosen vocation was to be a Farmer and a Dairyman. He, with  Etta Mae always by his side, worked hard to buy land and improve the farm into a productive operation to pass down to the next generation of family farmers. They retired after 45 years but still liked to know what was going on around the place and what the boys were doing. Many hours were spent inspecting the farm and the pond with Etta Mae and their dog, Sassy on the side-by-side.

Even the littlest great-grands love to take a ride with Grandpa Larry. Family meant everything to Larry, and he was often heard bragging about them and saying how proud he was of them. Gatherings at the family pond were common and special. He was happiest surrounded by nature, family, friends and good food. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy was his favorite meal, and he got that meal on his 83rd birthday on July 17.

Larry was one to impart advice and words of wisdom to those who asked and sometimes to those who did not. Some of his most often used phrases were "You have to learn to live with a little adversity,” “This is a working farm and not a rest home,” and “As sure as the vine grows around the stump, you're my darling sugar lump.” In charge to the end, Larry left his whole family with one last wise motto to live by as his time was getting very short, “Everything is going to be alright.” And, as usual, he was right.

Survivors include the love of his life, his wife of 61 years, Etta Mae, two daughters: Debbie (Stan) Selland, Janet (Keith) Sauber. Three sons: Darrin (Amy) Matthias, Tim (Janet) Matthias, and Tod Matthias (Kassie Fedrick). Fifteen grandchildren: Melissa (Andrew) Mitchell, Josh (Sarah) Selland, Rachel Selland (Cody Holaday), Jena (Shane) Schoenhofer, Cole Sauber (Amber Daveline), Drew (Lindsay) Matthias, Brent (Carissa) Matthias, Jordan (Reba) Matthias, Noah Matthias (Kismet Bowsher), Eli Matthias, Emily Matthias, Tyler Matthias, Tanner Matthias, Mason Matthias, Gracie Matthias; and 13 great- grandchildren. Also, a sister, Ruth Corkran, and brother, Garry (Dee) Matthias, and many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors, including a special friend and neighbor, Bill Rodvelt.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters: Naomi Barker, Barbara Thomas, Darlene Clough and Betty Moore, and one brother, Dave Matthias.

A visitation with family will be held at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Funeral Home in Horton, Kansas, on Tuesday, August 2nd, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. A celebration service of Larry’s life will be on August 3rd at 10:30 a.m. at Dishon- Maple- Chaney, also. Luncheon to follow. Larry loved bright colors and never wore black. Etta Mae asks that those attending dress in bright colors, including crimson and blue for Larry's beloved KU Jayhawks.

Memorials may be given to the Ladies Aide of the Larkinburg Christian Church or the Muscotah Cancer Support Group. To leave a special message to the family, you may visit www.dishon-maple-chaney.com