Larry L. Root, Sr., 76, passed away on March 15, 2014, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born May 1, 1937, in Whitewater, Kansas, the son of Clarence Leo and Birdene Willeta (Edwards) Root. Larry served in United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a resident of Hutchinson since 1992. Larry worked for Johnny Stamford as a tree trimmer and then later he worked at Target. He enjoyed gardening and being able to go outside and sit his swing. He also enjoyed yard sales, riding his scooter and stuffed animals. He loved his dogs, Tucker and Scooter, his bird, Charlie, and Rising, their dog for 20 years.

Larry is survived by a companion of 21 years, Betty Behnke, Hutchinson; his children, Russell Frame (Sherise) of Chanute, Teresa Lehnherr (Bryan) of Emporia, Lee Root (Amy) of Shawnee, Lori Reffer (Rob) of Booneville, Ark., Cary Root of Chanute, Michael Root of Hutchinson; stepchildren, Stephanie Kerschner (Ralph) of Hutchinson, Shannon Spriggs of Texas, Jean Schreckhise and Joy Schreckhise, both of Wichita, Rodney Davis of Counce, Tenn., James Davis of Newton; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kevin Root, brother, Leo Root, sister, Loretta Bascom and nephew, Steve Vogt.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2014, at First United Methodist Church, with Pastors, Jeanine I. Rishel and Jeff Slater presiding. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at Whitewater Cemetery, Whitewater, Kansas. Friends may sign the book 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today through Thursday, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to DaVita Dialysis Center of Hutchinson in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.