Lawrence "Larry" Sweat was born September 5, 1922 in rural Kirwin, Kansas to Martin F. Sweat and Rosa-O. (Abernathy) Sweat and passed away August 14, 2012 in Loveland, CO at the age of 89.

He attended grade school at Jaybird District 137 in Claudell, KS and graduated from high school in Beloit, KS in May, 1940.

In October, 1942 Lawrence enlisted in the Army Air Force and was stationed at Coffeyville A.A.F. Base about one year, then was accepted into the aviation student pilot training program stationed at King College in Bristol, TN. During his pilot training he was stationed at several other bases in the southeastern United States. He received his commission and pilot's wings at Columbus, MS in June, 1945 and was released from active duty in Lincoln, NE in November, 1945.

On June 3, 1945 Lawrence married Erma Ebeler of Elmwood, NE at the Catholic Church in Claudell, KS. They made their home on the family farm south of Claudell. Two children were born to this union, Stanley and Susan. Erma passed away August 28, 1968 in Lincoln, NE after years of living with multiple sclerosis.

Lawrence then married Beryl (Lemon) Plymesser on August 9, 1969 in Phillipsburg, KS at the Catholic Church. They resided on the farm until September, 1974 at which time they moved to Loveland, CO. He worked at Woodward Governor Company in Fort Collins, CO until his retirement in September, 1985. Lawrence enjoyed his woodworking shop and friends and neighbors during his retirement years.

Preceding him in death were his parents; first wife, Erma; and brothers, Perry, Eugene (Jean) and Glen (Eleanor).

Survivors include his wife, Beryl of Loveland, CO; son, Stanley (Sandra) of Eagle, NE; step grandchildren, Ryan (Monica) Clancy and step great-grandchildren, Alexis and Aiden and Travis (Lori) Clancy of Lincoln, NE; daughter, Susan (Steve) Blauvelt of North Platte, NE; twin grandchildren, Abby (Tony) Lineweber of Beatrice, NE and Brandon (Jill) May and great-grandson, Brian of Alvo, NE; step grandchildren, Zebulon (June), Jared and Alex Blauvelt; and step great-grandchildren, Chase, Devlon and Uriah Blauvelt.

Also surviving are stepdaughters, JoLynn (Martin) Kuebler of Loveland, CO; step grandchildren, Troy Kuebler, Michele (Denny) Dayton and step great-grandchildren, Dustin, James and Jesse; Delene Solorio of Colorado Springs, CO and her daughters, Stacey (Trevas) McFail and step great-grandchildren, Raeanna and Kierra, Jamie (Jesus) Vazquez; and great-grandchildren, Angel and Christofer; sisters-in-law, Ruth of Smith Center, KS and Donna (Paul) Hunt of Phillipsburg, KS.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 20, 2012 in the SS Philip & James Catholic Church in Phillipsburg, KS with Father George Chalbhagam officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Francis Cemetery, Smith County, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Retirement Community and sent in care of the funeral home.