Larry S. Goens

Larry S. Goens, 85, of Fairview, Kansas, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas, surrounded by family and friends.

Larry was born on May 18, 1940, to Loren and Mildred (Sheets) Goens in Horton, Kansas. He attended school in Fairview and graduated with the class of 1959. Larry was united in marriage to Delores (Bockerstette) Goens on June 10, 1963, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha.

Larry began his working career in 1959 at Nemaha Coop Creamery in Sabetha, which later became Mid-American Dairymen, where he was responsible for bottling milk. Just days after getting married, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He proudly served his country as a Military Policeman in Germany from 1963 to 1965, earning commendations as a Sharpshooter and for good conduct.

After returning home, Larry and Delores moved to Topeka, Kansas, where he began working for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company Plant. He spent 37 years at Goodyear before retiring in 2002. In 1972, as they started a family, they relocated to Sabetha, where they raised two boys. In 1992, the family moved back to Larry's hometown of Fairview, where he lived until Delores passed away in 2020. Later that same year, he moved into an apartment at the Apostolic Christian Retirement Village in Sabetha and eventually transitioned to the assisted living facility.

Larry was a man of many hobbies and talents. From a young age, he had a love for automobiles and motorcycles. Over the years, he owned, maintained, and drove several classic muscle cars. Later in life, he often expressed regret for not having kept them, as he shared stories about them. His positive attitude and problem-solving skills enabled him to tackle nearly any automotive or home improvement task. This love for automobiles and a strong work ethic were passed down to his sons and then to his grandchildren, who proudly followed in his footsteps.

Larry also loved boating, camping, hunting, four-wheeling, and any outdoor activity that allowed him to spend time with family and friends. He was a member of several organizations, including the Venture Touring Society, the Moose Lodge of Topeka, Good Sam’s Club, the NRA, the American Legion, and the Goodyear Retired Group.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Delores.

Larry is survived by his two sons, Brian (Jennifer) Goens of Kansas City, Missouri, and Brad Goens (Andrea Aeschliman) of St. Joseph, Missouri; his three grandchildren, Megan (Michael) Potter, Aaron Goens (Grace Carr), and Zachary Goens (Adriana Dickey) all of Kansas City, Missouri; and his brother, Michael (Allyson) Goens of Girdwood, Alaska.

A private family Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be made in the Seneca Cemetery in Seneca, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Apostolic Christian Retirement Village – Assisted Living Facility, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534.