Lawrence E. Scanlon

Lawrence Eugene Scanlon, 88, passed away Sunday January 7, 2024. He was born on March 2, 1935 in Kansas City, MO. Larry was the youngest of ten children. His parents Bernard and Margaret Scanlon emigrated from Ireland and his entire family cherished their Irish heritage. He was a star athlete at Lillis High School where he saw tremendous success as a football and basketball player. His college days began as a scholarship athlete but his studies were interrupted by his military service in the armed forces where he was stationed in Germany. He later returned to complete his degree from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, MO.

He was a natural born salesman and loved every aspect of the selling process. He worked for the Signode Corporation for 30 years. During his career, he worked his way up from a Sales Representative to Executive Vice President.  He later returned to his roots selling for Marking Specialists where he worked until he retired.

He enjoyed traveling and tennis. He and Karen spent their retirement years seeing the world and spending winters at their condo in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. His children and their families visited often, making memories to last a lifetime. It was there that he played tennis with his grandchildren and showed them the beauty of appreciating a walk on the beach and a good sunset.

His greatest success in life was being an amazing husband and father. Despite having a very busy professional life, he coached little league teams, drove carpools, organized game nights and was very present in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Karen and Larry loved each other so deeply. They had an extraordinary life together holding hands on a daily basis until the end of his life. He patiently and lovingly cared for Karen in his later years.

He is preceded in death by his nine siblings and parents. He is survived by his wonderful wife of 61 years, Karen (Higgins) Scanlon, his five children John (Debbie) Scanlon, Joe Scanlon, Mary (Guy) McDermott, Brian (Taiwo) Scanlon and Laura Scanlon-Hood. He will be dearly missed by his nine grandchildren Meghan Scanlon, Colleen Scanlon, Devin Hood, Sean McDermott, Brendan Scanlon, Erin McDermott, Maggie McDermott, Lily Scanlon and Ella Scanlon.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.