Larry B. Kavouras

Larry Barnett Kavouras, 74, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at his home in the Kansas countryside near Lindsborg, KS.  He was born on July 13, 1949, in Robinson, Illinois, the son of George and Charlotte Kavouras.  

Larry met Bev, the love of his life, while attending high school in McPherson, and they married in McPherson January 18, 1970.  Larry and Bev lived and traveled abroad until they settled on their dream property in the Lindsborg countryside in 2000.  Their son Nick was born 1970 on the night of the McPherson Rodeo, and Todd was born on a snowy night at 2 a.m. on New Year’s morning 1979 at Hahn AB Germany.

Larry started flying as a teenager at the McPherson airport and continued his career as a Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Air Force, Kansas Air National Guard, and then American Airlines until his final retirement at age 58.  His flying career included combat missions in Southeast Asia and graduation from the Air Force’s prestigious F-4 Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB, NV.  He also served as instructor and director of operations for the F-4 Weapons School in Kansas and later as the Kansas Guard’s first F-16 squadron commander.  Larry and Bev’s journey took them to Oklahoma, Florida, Arizona, Thailand, North Carolina, Germany and finally back to Kansas in 1980.  They made life-long friends from around the world.

When Larry wasn’t flying, he was traveling the world with Bev and their closest friends. Mostly he was off on one of his wild adventures chasing a fish or a bird or an elk and looking for one of his infamous “shortcuts”. He was an avid outdoorsman that not only hunted and fished but ardently supported conservation organizations that worked to preserve wildlife habitat for future generations.  By far his favorite outdoor pursuit was upland quail hunting the Kansas prairies with his buddies, sons, grandsons, and his beloved German short-haired pointers.  His favorite place to hunt was the Smoky Hill Bombing Range near Salina, KS where he asked his family to spread his ashes.  After retirement, he became a regular golfer at the McPherson Country Club and served as chairman of their board.  He also served in many other volunteer positions including At-Risk classroom at Lindsborg H.S.; New Gottland township treasurer; and McPherson airport board.

Most of all, Larry will be remembered for his quick wit, humor, and endless supply of jokes.  Stated simply, Larry just made people laugh and was truly the life of any party.   Walking into a bar or room you just needed to find where the crowd was to find Larry.  In the center of the crowd, you would see his shit-eating grin and watch him hold court telling stories and jokes with great animation and a very attentive audience.  

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Beverly; sons, Todd (Keri) Kavouras of Gypsum, KS and Nick (Michelle) Kavouras of Panama City, FL; brothers, Dan (Lou) Kavouras of Brooksville, FL and Steve (Theresa) Kavouras of Prior Lake, MN; a sister, Patsy Kavouras (John Bruce) of Nederland, CO; four grandchildren, Coleson Kavouras, Jared Kavouras, Nolan Kavouras, and Katie Kavouras. He was preceded in death by his parents.

An open house was held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Kavouras' home.

Memorial donations can be made to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Quail Forever - Uplands, or the American Legion Post #24 in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.