It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Larry Gene Ficken, born on May 26, 1948, who peacefully left this world on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones at St. Lukes Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. Larry was the beloved son of William Ficken and Georgetta (Embree) Ficken and was united in marriage to Carol Vern Crouch on November 25, 1970. A man of deep faith and integrity, Larry's kindness and hard work touched all those around him. His commitment to service shone through various roles he undertook as a teacher, coach, administrator, and leader. He worked in education for 32 years total and 23 of those years were as a Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent at Knob Noster Public Schools. After retirement he worked at the Knob Noster State Park.

Extremely active in his community, Larry was an engaged member of various organizations including the Lions Club, Church Board, Promise Keepers, and the Johnson County Board of Services where he served as a board member. He also had a love for sports, particularly watching and playing basketball. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Carol Ficken, his loving children Ryan Ficken (Helga) of Kansas City, MO, Wesley Ficken (Amy) of Olathe, KS, and Lori Beth (Geoffrey) Josefy of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. He is also survived by his brother Melvin Ficken (Pat) of Knob Noster and a host of cherished grandchildren Morgan Tull, Sofia Ficken, Kendall Ficken, Blake Ficken, Max Ficken, Lincoln Josefy, Luke Josefy, Theodore Josefy, and step-grandchildren Martha, Olivia, Sarah and Sam, nieces, nephews, and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A viewing for Larry will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Knob Noster Middle School Gymnasium with a service following at 4:00 p.m. in the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Knob Noster Lions Club or the Knob Noster Educational Security Trust (KNEST), which can be left in the care of Sweeney-Phillips and Holdren Funeral Home.

Larry Gene Ficken's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and his memory will be forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.