Robert L. Larrabee
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Robert (Bob) Larrabee, beloved husband and father, passed away on March 25, 2023. Bob’s final gift to his wife of 53 years, Marcella, and their children, Jessica, and Robert, was to give them four days together by his side sharing their memories and finding peace knowing that his courageous battle with cancer was over.
Bob was born September 25, 1948, in Dieberg, Germany. He was adopted by Fred H. Larrabee II and Gloria Goff Larrabee on October 20, 1953, and became a naturalized citizen on January 10, 1958. Bob graduated from Lawrence High School in 1967. He had great memories of his LHS football days and forever friends. Bob and Marcella were married on July 18, 1970, at Trinity Episcopal Church. He became a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason on April 2, 1986.
Bob served as an SP5 in the US Army, and on February 1, 1972, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces in the Republic of Vietnam.
Bob returned home from the army and began his 42-year career at the Kmart Distribution Center. He retired as an operations Manager in 2014. Bob worked with and fondly remembered hundreds of coworkers and formed lasting friendships with many.
Bob was proud of the life that he and Marcella built together. They enjoyed visiting National Parks (his favorite was Yellowstone), beaches, taking road trips and family vacations. His true passion was sailing on Lake Perry for more than 35 years.
He loved encouraging and watching Jessica perform at her ballet, piano and school recitals, and lettering in tennis with the FSHS tennis team. He was proud of Jessica for earning her Addiction Counseling degree from Ottawa University and becoming a licensed counselor at Valley Hope.
Bob loved watching Robert play baseball, attending his school recitals, Boy Scout ceremonies and accompanying him to Washington DC to watch him sing with the Trinity Choristers at the National Cathedral. He was especially proud of Robert for earning and becoming an Eagle Scout.
By example, Bob taught Jessica and Robert the importance of hard work, not quitting, being a good friend and the love of family. His children were the world to him.
Bob is survived by his wife, Marcella, of the home; Jessica DeVore (Joshua), Lawrence; and Robert Larrabee II (Heather), Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Fred Larrabee III; sister, Lisa Berry Jackson; and his grandparents Melvin “Cotton” Goff and Marguerite Goff of Lawrence.
The family will greet friends 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 14, 2023, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the DAV-Disabled American Veterans, or Lawrence Memorial Hospital Nursing and Aide staff, and/or the Housekeeping Department. Contributions may be sent in the care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Marcella and family, I am very sorry to hear of Bob‘s passing. Please know I am praying for your comfort and strength during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to you Marcella and family, Bob was old friend from high school.
We are sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts are with the family. I enjoyed working with Bob for many years, he was always a great guy and friend.
We are so sorry for your loss and our hearts go out to you at this difficult time.
May you find peace and strength during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing we were friends in High School,and worked together.
We are so sad and sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. Our prayers for you and your family in this hard time. Much love to you all.
Karen and Randy McGrath
We have always been so honored to have both of you as neighbors. We have watched your children grow and know how much love you and Bob have given them. We will miss Bob and watching him walk Miss Mabel. We are thinking of you, Robert and Jessica in this time of sorrow.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, my husband Jerry worked with Bob for years and always thought very highly of him. Prayers for healing for your family.
Terry Dunnaway
I am the former Helen Pendleton, and an old friend and classmate of Bob’s. He was such a great guy. Everybody loved him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My beloved husband Mike died of pancreatic cancer a few months ago, and it is so indescribably hard being a widow. Hold on to Jesus; He will never leave you. Let Him comfort you every day, every hour. Deepest condolences to you and all who loved sweet Bob.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Jessica and Robert. So sorry for your loss.
Marcella, Robert, and Jessica,
Almost all my memories from 9th grade through our junior year are filled with Bob, and he was just as wonderful then as he is remembered here. I will miss having him in the world. I will be praying for you as you navigate this unwanted journey. I agree with Hendle–hold on to Jesus. He has the answer to your deepest cries.
I fondly remember Bob, his love of family, his love of work, his humor, his wisdom and the joy of sailing that he gave to me. I will always remember my friend Bob and share these lyrics that give me comfort:
I’m sailing away
Set an open course for the virgin sea
‘Cause I’ve got to be free
Free to face the life that’s ahead of me
On board, I’m the captain
So climb aboard
We’ll search for tomorrow
On every shore
And I’ll try, oh Lord, I’ll try
To carry on
I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. May God grant you peace during this difficult time.
Bob lived with my family for a few years, he was like a brother , he will be missed , Prayers to Marcella , Jess, and Robert