Larry Anderson, age 87, peacefully passed away on February 26, 2026, at the Stevens County Hospital. He was born on July 31, 1938, in rural Stevens County Kansas to Fred and Dorothy Anderson.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Fred and Dorothy Anderson; wife, Velda Anderson; sister, Barbara Palmer; brothers, Richard Dwayne Anderson and Robert Anderson; and daughter-in-law, Debbie Anderson.
He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Steven Anderson, wife, Sally Anderson, David Anderson, Michael Anderson, wife, Krista Anderson and Troy Anderson, wife, Tressa Anderson; grandchildren, Tanner Anderson, wife, Leslie Anderson, Evan Anderson, Jeremy Anderson, wife, Jenna Anderson, Jamie Steward, husband, Jason Steward, Aaron Anderson, wife, Julia Anderson, Audry Annis, husband Cody Annis, Andrew Anderson, wife, Kaitlyn Anderson, Brad Anderson, wife, Jessica Anderson and Scott Anderson, wife, Morgan Anderson; great grand-children, Marilyn Anderson, Tyler Anderson, Kason Anderson, Danica Anderson, Addison Steward, Isabella Steward, Tynley Steward, Bain Anderson, Barrett Anderson, Emmerson Annis, Corbin Annis, Booker Anderson, Reagan Anderson, Andi Lynn Anderson, Emma Burke and Boston Anderson.
Larry grew up on a farm in Stevens County sharing life experiences with his immediate family and many uncles, aunts and cousins that lived in Stevens County. He met his future wife, Velda Crawford, during their sophomore year in high school. They were married during Christmas break of their senior year in high school on December 18, 1955, and were married for 63 years.
Larry worked in the farming, construction and natural gas industries before acquiring a bulk fuel and oil business in 1969. He owned and operated Larry’s Oil for 32 years, serving the farming community around Ulysses, Johnson and Manter.
Besides his love for Southwest Kansas, Larry loved the Colorado mountains. He particularly enjoyed Platoro, Colorado, where he spent many years fishing and hunting with friends and family. In addition to fishing, he enjoyed pheasant, deer and elk hunting.
After moving to Ulysses from Hugoton, Larry and Velda became members of the Ulysses Church of Christ where they worshiped and served God. Their love for children led them to start a Joy Bus Ministry that they led for several years. They touched the lives of countless children with their love for Jesus and our Heavenly Father. Larry’s greatest desire was for everyone to know and have a relationship with Jesus.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Ulysses Church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Hugoton Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, March 6, 2026, from 2:00 PM- 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorials may be made to the Ulysses Church of Christ for the Children’s Ministry and Caterpillars and Butterflies Ministry in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kansas 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.