Larned - Larry Jack Armstrong passed away on Nov 29, 2023, in Larned, KS surrounded by family and friends.
Jack was born on Oct 5, 1939 to Keith and Hazel (Hartman) Armstrong, in Larned. He was the youngest of four.
Jack joined the Navy after high school, but was honorably discharged after the death of his father, Keith, to come back to help his mother on the family farm.
After returning to Larned, Jack met the love of his life, Jeanetta Mae Osborn (Jeannie), they were married on June 9, 1968. They purchased the farm that had been homesteaded by Jack’s great grandfather. They moved to their farm east of Larned, and would spend the rest of their lives there. Together they raised three children, Aaron, Eric and Alicia.
Jack worked at various jobs after returning to Larned. He started out as a roofer and ended up a postal carrier, but his real passion was the farm and his cattle. After retiring from the post office in 1993, he was able to focus solely on ranching. After retirement, he also developed a love of gardening, and would spend countless hours tending to his plants.
After Jeannie, the farm was Jacks great love, and he poured his heart into it, turning it into an oasis on the plains. He laid the back patio by hand. He turned the hole left from the homemade swimming pool that he had built when his kids were young, into a sunken patio, complete with two ponds and a waterfall made from the foundation of a church that had been in the pasture. Jack always loved a project, and would barely be finished with one, before he was ready to start work on the next “area”. One has to only walk the grounds of the home place to see the love that he had for it.
Jack loved spending time with his children, and was delighted by the arrival of his two granddaughters, who officially made him Papa. Once they were born, he had an endless list of projects to keep him busy for his grand babies. Jack enjoyed going on vacations with his kids, grandkids, and his nieces and nephews.
He loved to explore new places, but his favorite was always the Rocky Mountains.
Jack was an avid football fan, and absolutely loved the Kansas City Chiefs. He was so happy with the Chiefs success the last few years, and loved to watch them with friends and family while enjoying a Coors Light.
Jack was well known for his sharp wit and sense of humor, and kept his sense of humor despite an extended illness that kept him in, more than out, of the hospital the last seven months of his life. He would crack jokes with family, friends and hospital staff alike. His family was told by numerous staff members at various hospitals, that Jack was among their favorite patients because of his sense of humor. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. From the Doctor and Nurses, to PT, RT and OT as well as the Housekeeping Staff, every one of them was an angel to our Dad, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Jack was preceded in death by his father, Keith Armstrong, mother, Hazel Fairchild, brother, Earl Armstrong, brother Don Armstrong, and sister Loal McMillan. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie, of the home, his son Aaron Armstrong, son Eric (Jen) Armstrong and daughter Alicia (John) Spitler, and two granddaughters, Lela and Mina Spitler, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned with military honors and Pastor Damon Bradley presiding. Visitation 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023, with family present from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Memorials may be given to the Pawnee County Humane Society in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.