Lawrence “Larry” Edward Werner, Jr., age 86, of Kansas City, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026.
Born on January 17, 1940, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Larry was the son of Lawrence Edward Werner, Sr. and Dorothy Werner Schumacher. He graduated from Central High School in 1957. While working at the St. Joseph News-Press and Gazette, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Joyce Sharp, whom he married in 1962. Their marriage of 63 years was a testament to a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith and mutual support.
They moved to Kansas City, where Larry began a distinguished career in the printing industry. He worked at Missouri Engravers then later at Photon, where his expertise led him to notable assignments in the composing rooms of The New York Times and the Miami Herald. In 1976, he founded Graphic Services, selling in 1990 at age 50 to retire and enjoy life.
Larry was a devoted family man who took great joy in his children’s activities, sports and coaching. He spent countless hours pitching softballs to his daughter, coaching their youth sports and traveling across many states supporting his son’s BMX racing career. Their home was a warm gathering place for family and friends, where Larry was often found at the grill preparing meals or enjoying backyard volleyball. An avid boater in his younger years, he owned a hydroplane and a sailboat. He also maintained a lifelong passion for photography, developing images in a home darkroom and capturing scenes of nature, wildlife, sports, and everyday life. He delighted in sharing slide shows with family and friends. In retirement, he found new interest in the study and trading of stocks, while continuing to enjoy golf.
A man of deep faith, Larry was a dedicated member of Holy Angels Catholic Church. He cherished his time in Eucharistic Adoration and faithfully assisted with opening the church during the week. Even as health challenges arose, he met with Father Richard McDonald and found peace regarding this new chapter in his journey.
Larry will be remembered for his love, generosity, and quiet spirituality. His presence left a lasting and positive impact on all who knew him.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Werner, Sr. and Dorothy Werner, and sister, Mary Ann Marshall.
Those left to cherish his memories are his wife Bonnie; their two children, Nicole Hobbs (Chris), Michael Werner (Jen), and their 11 grandchildren, Derek Hobbs, Stephanie Kelsey (Josh), Joshua Hobbs (Kyna), Madison Pflumm (Josh), Claire Werner, and Grant Werner, Dominic Cattaneo, Michael Cattaneo, Joseph Cattaneo, Brooke Cattaneo (Kyle), Robert Cattaneo, and 8 great grandchildren, Kylie Baxter, Presley Kelsey, Hayden Hobbs, Presley Smith, Beau Smith, Avery Pflumm, Isla Pflumm, and Carson Cattaneo, his brother, William Werner (Veronica) and sister Francis Clemens and many friends and extended family.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 am with a rosary at 11:00 am. Funeral Mass will follow the rosary at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 15410 Leavenworth Road, Basehor, KS. Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery following the funeral mass. A luncheon will be held at the Holy Angels Church hall after the cemetery. Family and friends are invited to honor Larry and share memories at this gathering.