Lawrence "Larry" Eckhoff, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Larry lived a life marked by faith, service, and loving devotion to his family, his community, and his friends.

Larry was born on November 6, 1942, in Marshall, Missouri, to Lawrence and Lillian E. (Rutherford) Eckhoff. Tragically, his mother passed away during his birth. He and his older sister, Lydia, were lovingly raised by Marie (Hogan) Eckhoff, who became the only mother Larry ever truly knew and loved.

Married August 19, 1961 to August 13, 2010 to Frances Donna Lee Cochran. Together they were blessed with three children, who remained the pride and joy of his life, as well as the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Larry worked at Rose Motor Supply in Hutchinson from 1962 to 1970 before answering a higher calling to public service. On January 1, 1970, he joined the Hutchinson Police Department as a patrolman. During his distinguished 23-year career, he rose to the rank of Sergeant in the Detective Division, earning numerous commendations and the respect of fellow officers for his dedication, professionalism, and success in solving several high-profile criminal investigations.

Following his retirement from the Hutchinson Police Department in September 2002, Larry continued his commitment to public service by working as a Civil Process Server for the Reno County Sheriff’s Department before accepting the position of Chief of Police in Nickerson, Kansas. There, he transformed a former ambulance bay into a well-organized and respected police department before retiring in January 2010. In all, Larry’s commitment to Public Safety spanned 40 years. After leaving Law Enforcement, Larry worked at Sunflower Electric in Great Bend.

Larry found enjoyment in fishing, watching KU basketball, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and being a practical joker. Larry’s humor and wit, along with many of his facial expressions gave him the affectionate nick-name “Barney” as he reminded people of Barney Fife of The Andy Griffith Show. He was mistaken as Barney Fife as far away as Jamaica. Larry had a beautiful singing voice many wanted to hear at weddings and funerals.

He was a faithful member of First Southern Baptist Church in Larned and was active in Masonic Lodge No. 124, Silver Leaf Chapter No. 464 of the Order of the Eastern Star both for over 50 years, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the Lions Club where he enjoyed helping with the fundraising auctions that were held each year. In September 2025, he was honored with his 50-year pin as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Larry is survived by his former wife, Frances Wolcott, children: Starla Sell (David) McPherson, KS, Padgy Schrank (Dave) Montgomery, OH, Shawn Eckhoff (Jenni) Berryton, KS, and Marta (Chaparro) Sager (Lewis) Tallahassee, FL; his grandchildren: Bryan Swepston, Arielle Willard, Hannah Swepston, Rachel Swepston, Alex Schrank, Paige Eckhoff, and Cordel Eckhoff; seven cherished great-grandchildren: Taydym Swepston, Kaylyn Royse, Lucas Royse, Ty Patrick, Jaxon Willard, Francis Swepston, and Beatrice Swepston, and his siblings, Lydia Lakin, Wayne Eckhoff, Carl Eckhoff, David Eckhoff, Linda Dick, and Gary Eckhoff. Marilyn Edgington, a caring partner of many years, loved and appreciated by the family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Lillian Eckhoff; his beloved mother, Marie Eckhoff; and his siblings, Alma Trotter and Jim Eckhoff.

More than any badge, title, or accomplishment, Larry will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His quiet strength, servant's heart, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His life was one of faithful service, sacrificial love, and an unbelievable toughness to fight adversity in fighting cancer twice. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the communities he faithfully served, and the countless lives he touched.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson.

Click here to watch Larry's service

In lieu of flowers, family requests a contribution to the American Cancer Society, specifically Lung Cancer Research, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main Hutchinson, KS 67501.