Lawrence Joseph “Larry” Pander, Jr., 68, died Monday February 26, 2024 at his home in Garden City, Kansas. He was born on March 19, 1955 in San Francisco, California; the son of Lawrence Joseph Pander, Sr. and Clowon Levine (Miller) Pander.
Larry was born and raised in California, he attended and graduated from the schools of Half Moon Bay. Upon his graduation Larry enlisted in the United States Air Force where he began his education in fire science and was honorably discharged in 1975. After his time in the service Larry continued his college education at Skyline College in San Bruno, California; and then San Mateo, California. In 1980 he relocated to the Houston, Texas area where he began his career as a Firefighter; he was a part of the Houston Fire Department for almost 30 years until he relocated to Garden City. Throughout his life he continued to receive education and training to hone his skills and gain knowledge related to fire rescue and various life saving techniques. He taught fire science at Garden City Community College up until his retirement in 2021.
Larry was talented in many areas and enjoyed welding and carpentry projects as well as raising race horses. In addition to being The Fire Science Instructor at GCCC he continued to be an active member of the Volunteer Fire Department throughout his lifetime. He received many awards including Firefighter of the Year in 2001 and the Unsung Hero Award in 2003. He served on many boards, and was an integral part in many advancements for the Fire Science Community.
Survivors include his children- Shane Monroe Pander of West Salem, Oregon and Neisha Marie Pander of Houston, Texas; Grandchildren- Daimon, Kirra, Dakota, Tristan, Trevor, Tayden, and McKenna; Brothers- Mike (Brittney) Pander, and Athen (Ashley) Pander as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his oldest brother- Quin Pander, and one sister- Kim Pander Doukas.
Visitation will take place at Garnand Funeral Home Thursday February 29, 2024 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Friday March 1, 2024 from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Saturday March 2, 2024 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Garden City, Kansas with Rev. Timothy Hickey as celebrant. Services will be streamed live on the Garnand Funeral Homes Facebook Page. Burial will follow in Deerfield Cemetery with Military Honors. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Garden City Endowment Association to be used for a Fire Science Scholarship in honor of Larry in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City.Garnand Funeral Home 412 N. 7th Garden City, Kansas 67846 620-276-3219