Larry Gene Bensch

Larry Gene Bensch, 87, of Lawrence, KS, passed away on June 20, 2023. Larry was born on December 12, 1935, to Carl and Helen “Billie” Bensch in Wichita, KS. After he graduated from Wichita North High School in 1953, Larry attended Wichita State University but left college after one year to begin a 42-year career at Western Auto. His career with Western Auto took him all over the country and resulted in many lasting friendships. Larry is survived by Myrna Harper-Foster, his first wife and mother to their four children, daughter Cheryl Fornshell and her husband Robert (Phoenix, AZ), son Alan Bensch and his wife Trish Cobb (Kingman, AZ), son David Bench and his wife Laura Clendenin (Newberg, OR) and daughter Lori Murphy and her husband Patrick (Phoenix, AZ). Larry was blessed to share his life with two other spouses, Phyllis Pyles Bensch and Arline Seely-Bensch, who preceded him. Larry was also fortunate to have three stepchildren, David Seely and his wife Debra (Wichita, KS), Diana Seely Frederick and her husband Joel (Lawrence, KS) and Doreen Seely-Francis and her husband Jay (Topeka, KS). Larry was a loving grandfather to eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and is also survived by his sister Toni Trimble (Valley Center, KS) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by sisters Sharon Hill and Judy Garnet. Larry was a true gentleman, a top-notch armchair coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, and Kansas Jayhawks, and was a huge sports enthusiast. He was a kind, compassionate man who loved his family, dogs, and desserts and he was generous to a fault. He was a devoted husband, father, stepdad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend and made everyone around him feel special. After retirement, Larry enjoyed spending time with Arline and traveling to see family in Arizona and Oregon as well as attending events at the Dole Center and Theatre Lawrence, and was regularly active in the First United Methodist Church, Justice Ministries, and League of Women Voters. He supported Douglas County CASA, Audio-Reader, and many other charities. Viewing and Memorial Services will be on Friday, June 30 at First United Methodist Church, 330 Broadway Street, Wichita, KS, with viewing at 9:00 am followed by services at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Larry’s name to one of the follow charities: Lawrence First United Methodist Church (FUMC); University of Kansas Audio-Reader; or Lawrence or Wichita Humane Society. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary East Chapel.