Larry Wayne Gruber

Larry Wayne Gruber, age 80, of Iola, Kansas, passed away February 3, 2023, at Medicalodges in Fort Scott, Kansas. Larry was born July 9, 1942, in Chester, South Dakota, to Fred E. Gruber and Betty (Stamm) Gruber.

Larry graduated high school in 1961 in Santa Anna, California. After high school, he devoted his life to our country and joined the United States Air Force, where he repaired equipment that maintained the F106 jet. Due to a near-fatal accident, Larry was given a 70% disability honorable medical discharge on October 3, 1963.

Larry moved to Webb City, Missouri, where he met Wonda Jarnagin. They married May 11, 1964. For 58 years he was a loving husband and left no doubt about his love for his family.

Larry held various jobs through the years. His favorite job was driving over the road trucks because he could take Wonda with him. After Larry and Terry left home, he always provided everything the family needed. Larry drove for eight years until his previous injuries prevented him from doing it any longer.

Larry never met a stranger and was known to talk to anybody for hours, especially about his 1952 Ford he bought nearly 45 years ago. Unfortunately, until recently it hasn't been running, but he always knew he was home when he saw it in the garage.

Larry raised his family in Overland Park, Kansas. He and Wonda later moved to Blue Mound, Kansas, and then had a new home built in Iola, where he would spend the rest of his life.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Ronnie and Jimmy.

Larry is survived by his wife; sons, Larry (Pamela) Gruber, II, Leavenworth, Kansas, Terry Gruber, Kansas City, Missouri; four grandchildren, Ron Gruber, Christina Berthold, Anthony Gruber, Andrew Gruber; several great-grandchildren, and sister, Gloria Heath.

A visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Feuerborn family Funeral Service. Burial with military honors will be in Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to disabled veterans or Patriot Guard, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .