Lawrence "Larry" L. Heath

Lawrence L. “Larry” Heath, 81, of Topeka died Monday, October 3, at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born in Frankfort, Kansas on August 12, 1935 the son of George W. and Opal (Barker) Heath and grew up on a farm in the Westmoreland area, until graduating from high school in 1953.  Larry served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, serving as a Radar Operator in Alaska.  He received his B.A. from Columbia College in Missouri and an Administrator’s License from Washburn University.   He joined Aristo Food in 1960.  In 1975, he retired as Vice President and Treasurer.  He was a licensed Adult Care Administrator for Brewster Place Retirement Community, retiring as Executive Director in 1996.  Larry was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and a past president of the Kiwanis Club.  He enjoyed camping and cruising Lake Perry in his cabin cruiser “The Best Shot”.  Larry also loved spending time with his family and his dogs.  He married Catherine E. “Betty” Jehle in Topeka, Kansas on November 27, 1963.  She survives.  Also surviving are his children, James V. (Renee) Heath of Westmoreland, Jerrie Ross of Topeka, Jacque (Doug) Dupy of Castle Pines, CO., and Eric (Lisa) Heath of Topeka, five grandchildren, James Ross, Jason, Levi, Garret and Benjamin Heath and three great grandchildren, Skylar, Coleman and Rylee Heath.  Larry will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home after 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 5, 2016.  A Rosary will be prayed beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 6, 2016.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Helping Hands Humane Society, NE Kansas Parkinson’s Association or Midland Hospice Care, and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas   66603.