On February 8, 2025, Larry D States passed away peacefully at the age of 76 in Westminster, CO.  Larry was born on April 18, 1948 to parents Arnold and Freida States.  Growing up in the Logan community, Larry formed a work ethic that drove him to want to excel at everything he got involved with.  Rumor had it some of this drive came from his Piano instructor who pushed for practice until perfect.

Larry loved music and enjoyed playing piano, organ, trumpet, a little guitar, accordion, harmonica and likely other instruments.  He spent a lot of his musical life crafting his singing.  In high school he played and/or sang for many events including for church and was part of a German band.  In College he was in choir his entire tenure, and sang at numerous weddings.  He had a beautiful voice, though when asked later in life if he still sings, he would answer "only in the shower".

Larry's work ethic translated into sports as well. Growing up in the Logan schools, Larry played Football, Baseball, and Basketball with a tenacious drive to win.  His first year at KU in 1966, he walked onto the football team to try out, but ended up breaking his ankle ending those aspirations.  As an adult, he played in softball leagues and was in numerous bowling leagues well into his 50's.  He was nicknamed "The Meathook" due to both his big hands and hard hooking bowling throw.

Larry grew up in Logan, KS attending the Logan schools.  He graduated from Logan High School as Valedictorian.  He was also involved in scouts and was the first scout from Logan to earn his Eagle Scout.

He left Logan to attend the University of Kansas in 1966 to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering and Math. He completed his degree in 1971.  During this time, he met and married his wife Marcia Edwards.  Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force.  He was active military for 4.5 years from 1971 to 1975, stationed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.  His responsibilities were design, analysis and support of the Minuteman Missile.  Over this time he also introduced 2 kids to the family, daughter Kari, and son Scott.

After his discharge from the military in 1975, Larry and family moved back to Lawrence where he further advanced his education.  In 1977 he earned his BS in Electrical Engineering, and in 1979 he received his MS in EE with a focus on solid state physics and alternative energy applications.

After graduation, Larry moved with his family to Broomfield Colorado for his first "real" job as a research scientist on the wind farm at Rocky Flats for Rockwell.

In 1981, Larry found a job out in Arkansas, and marriage turned to divorce.

In 1982, Larry followed his work passion out to California where he ended up living and working for the next 37 years.

There was a 'retirement' in 2010 at the age of 62 which just transitioned into continuing to work as a consultant to avoid getting bored.  Overall, Larry had more than 48 years total experience with military and civilian involvement in defense design applications, analysis, and support of projects ranging from Minuteman Missile to Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Helmut and aircraft displays.

In 2017, Larry moved back to Logan to take care of his mother Freida States.

He continued to keep himself busy consulting through 2019.

He remained in Logan until December 15, 2020 when a health event moved him to Nebraska for nursing care, followed by a move to Colorado in 2024 to be closer to his children.

Throughout his life, he found time to visit with family, and adventure with friends.  Nowhere in Larry's life did growing up or getting older ever merit any serious contemplation.  He lived a full life, and in the end he was spared from a difficult quality of life.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Freida States of Logan.

He is survived by his 2 children Kari States, and Scott States and wife Betsy States,  grandchildren Breanna, Nick and Jacob States as well as Great Granddaughter Angelica all of Broomfield Colorado.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the Logan Christian Church in Logan with Pastor Troy Buss officiating. The services will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Logan.

Mr. States will lie in state from noon until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Logan Funeral Chapel, Logan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Frieda M. States Scholarship Fund for Logan High School Graduates and may be sent in care of the Logan Funeral Home, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS  67661.