Lawrence (Larry) Edward Growney (60) of Olathe KS passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, after a two year battle with a glioblastoma. Larry was born in Evanston, IL. As a Navy Junior, he lived in various places including 5 years in Turnersville, NJ (outside Philadelphia). From there the family moved back home to Kansas. Larry graduated from Bishop Miege High School in 1983 and spent the next several years at Kansas University earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree and a Doctorate in Sports Psychology. He then earned a master’s in Physical Therapy at KU Medical Center in 1997. He worked as a Physical Therapist for 25 years spending 22 years at Saint Luke’s South Outpatient Rehab in Overland Park until his retirement for medical reasons in 2024. Always seeking to make the world a better place, Larry has donated his body to the KU Willed Body Program to assist in research and education of medical students.
A fun, loving family man whose appreciation for music, nature, sports, and a sense of humor will live on in his treasured children: son, Dylan Growney (22) of Lawrence; daughter, Krista Growney (18) of Olathe. His life’s testimony of balancing work, helping others, and enjoying life will remain a source of pride and inspiration by his parents, Kevin Growney, Sr. (Bev) and Pat Matthews (John); brother, Kevin Growney, Jr. (Anette); sister, Micaela Mitts (Heath); sister, Seana Barry (Tom); and many aunts/uncles/nieces/nephews/great nephews/cousins who will miss him dearly.
His Celebration of Life will be held at Porter Funeral Home (8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215) on December 11. The visitation will begin at 4pm with a memorial service at 5pm and continued visitation until 6:30pm. Since Larry was an avid KU sports fan, feel free to dress in KU colors in his honor.
With deep gratitude for the Saint Luke’s Neuro-Oncology Care Team treatment plan for this aggressive cancer, we were blessed to enjoy a good quality of life for two years of unforgettable visits, love, prayers, and support from so many who touched Larry’s life and vice-versa. In lieu of flowers, we hope you’ll consider honoring Larry with a gift to “Saint Luke’s Brain Tumor Program” which can be mailed to Saint Luke’s Foundation, 901 E 104th St, Kansas City MO 64131, or https://give.saintlukeskc.org/donate.