In Memory Of
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Larry J. Schmits
Mission, Kansas
02/18/1948 - 09/21/2019
Larry J. Schmits, 71, of Shawnee, Kansas died on September 21, 2019 at Advent Health Shawnee Mission Hospital in Shawnee, Kansas.
Larry was born in Seneca, Kansas on February 18, 1948, the oldest child of Alvin (Butch) and Armella Haug Schmits.
Larry attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School and graduated in 1966. He attended Washburn University in Topeka for 2 years and then transferred to the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He graduated with a bachelor of Arts in Anthropology in 1971 and received his master’s degree in Anthropology in 1976 both from the University of Kansas.
Larry, by nature, was always very interested in finding out how people used to live with digging for Indian artifacts on his parent’s farm as he was growing up. This led him to the study of anthropology and archeology at the university of Kansas. This passion for uncovering evidence of historical times evolved into a participating in many archeological digs including one in France as a graduate student to eventually owning his own archeology company, Environmental Systems Analysis. He ran archeological surveys primarily in Kansas and Missouri. His belief in the importance of preserving historical sites in the Midwest lead him to the Quindaro Site in Kansas City, Kansas. His work to preserve the significance of this location culminated a nation Commemorative in the site eventually being labeled a National Commemorative site. It is considered a great importance to the Quindaro community in recognizing this location as a station on the underground railroad. Because of Larry’s enduring interest and extensive research and reading, he became what to many considered a natural Kansas historian.
Larry enjoyed a variety of hobbies throughout his life, including hunting, coin collecting, refinishing antique furniture, rebuilding antique cameras, and reading especially about all aspects of Kansas History. He will be missed by his family, friends and his colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his father Alvin on July 9, 2010.
Larry is survived by his three children, Sarah Schmits of Portland, Oregon, Laura Schmits of Brooklyn, New York and Joseph Schmitz of Lenexa. His mother Armella of Seneca, his brother Gene (Candy) Schmits of Seneca, his sisters, Jane (Doug) Smith of Lenexa, Carol Baker of Topeka, Linda (David) Stewart of Lenexa and Donna (Mike) Bacon of Lenexa. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews.
A rosary will be prayed at 7 P.M. Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.
Mass of Christian Burial is on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 11 A.M. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.
Memorials can be given in Larry’s name to he Kansas State Historical Society and sent in care of his family. To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .
A rosary will be prayed at 7 P.M. on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 11 A.M. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
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Condolences
Sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. May God be with you during this sad.
Thank you so much for thinking of us!
So saddened to learn of the passing of my long-time friend. My sincere condolences to all of his family whom he loved so much. God’s blessings to you all. Larry was an intelligent, unique man. He contributed much to the historical and archaeological studies of the area. May you rest in peace, Larry.
Linda:
So good to hear from you. I wondered how we would be able to find you to let you know of Larry’s passing. Thank you for your kind thoughts of my brother. We hope you are doing well! My number is 816-853-7828 if you ever need to reach us.
Donna
Linda, Donna and all of the Schmits Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I remember Larry from when I was a small child growing up across the street from your grandparents on Nemaha Street. It took me many years to realize your Grandpa and Grandma Schmits were not my real grandparents. Jim remembers Larry from grade school at SPPS, where Jim was in the same class with Larry for a few years. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Connie and Jim
Thank you Connie and Jim for thinking of our family. I love the connection we have! I’m sure my grandparents loved you too! They must have guided us together down the road a few years later! Hope you are doing well!
Donna
Larry’’s family:
So sorry for your loss. I was a classmate and our parents played cards together a lot. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace.
Thank you so much for thinking of our family. It’s so nice to have people reach out at times like these.
Donna
Having worked for Larry for a few years I think of him often. Either through a report on my shelf or some of the exploration of sites in Kansas and Missouri. His work at the Coffee site is still regarded as a great achievement. Glad I worked for him.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Larry’s work was so important to him. I also worked for Larry for a short time in his office and while I never fully understood the significance of his work, I learned so much from him! We appreciate you thinking of us.