Wilbur Longanecker

Wilbur Longanecker passed away Monday, April 6, 2015 at Bridge Haven Assisted Living in Lawrence. He was born June 17, 1927, the son of Howard and Lola (Wilbur) Longanecker. He was born in Lawrence, Kansas and a was a graduate of Liberty Memorial High School class of 1945 and attended Kansas University for 2 years before serving in the US Army from June 1951 to April 1953. He was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery in Korea. He worked at Sunflower Ordinance and Mid-West Research from 1953-1957. He then became a letter carrier working out of the downtown Lawrence Post Office servicing Old West Lawrence for many years, retiring March 1, 1986.

On September 11, 1954 he married Martha Wise, also of Lawrence. She preceded him in death October 7, 2009. Mr. Longanecker was a member of the First United Methodist Church, National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 104-Lawrence, Dorsey Liberty American Legion Post #14, Lawrence National Association of Retired Letter Carriers Branch 1A -Nalcrest, Florida, and Nalcrest Residents Association, Nalcrest, Florida.

Mr. Longanecker loved to read and he and his wife traveled extensively throughout Canada and United States. After retiring they spent their winters in Texas and Florida until 2009. Survivors include a daughter, Debra Renick and husband Bill, a son Daryl Longanecker, four granddaughters Gina Currier (Louisville, KY), Kristen Rice (Minneapolis, MN) and Megan Shawano (Crandon, WI), Allyson Renick (Lawrence) and four great grandchildren, Jackson, Madelyn, and Sawyer of Louisville and Homer of Crandon.

Private family burial will be held Friday, April 10^th at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas.

Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of life at the residence of Debra Renick, 1207 Stonecreek Drive, Lawrence from 5 – 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10^th.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Grace Hospice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.