Larry Butterfield

Beloit, KS — Larry Butterfield, 85, of Beloit, KS, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Mitchell County Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 1-6 p.m. with family present from 5-6 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Roberts Family Funeral Service in Beloit, KS, with a 6 p.m. rosary.

Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at St. John's Baptist Catholic Church in Beloit, KS.

Cremation has taken place.

Memorials may be made to Summer Kids Cafe or St. John's Catholic

School, both in Beloit, KS, in Larry's name. 

Roberts Family Funeral Service in Beloit, KS is in charge of the arrangements.

Larry and his twin brother Garry were born on Feb. 8, 1940, in Atkinson to Justin and Mable (Gaughenbaugh) Butterfield. From the very beginning, family played a central role in Larry's life. 

He graduated from Inman High School in 1957 and soon after married the love of his life Kay McCarthy on May 21, 1960, in O'Neill. This year, they celebrated 65 devoted years of marriage. A union filled with adventure, hard work and unwavering love.

In the early years, Larry worked alongside his twin brother Garry, brothers Chuck, Jack, Arlee and in the later years Danny joined them in the telephone construction business, a career that took them across the Midwest. He and Kay lived in 26 different towns in four states before finally planting roots in Beloit, KS, where they would raise their family. Larry's work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found L & K Construction with Kay in the late 1960s, making their mark in the industry alongside his brothers.

A true pioneer at heart, Larry became a licensed pilot and proudly owned a Cessna 182 during the late 1960s to early 1980s. He was known to fly parts out to remote job sites, landing on dirt roads with confidence and grit. One of his greatest joys came just a few years ago when he reunited with the plane's current owner at Rolla Municipal Airport. Though offered a flight, he humbly declined, letting his son Larry Jr. take to the skies in his place.

Larry's deep appreciation for nature and wildlife inspired him to begin raising buffalo in 1978. The herd that would eventually grow to 400. His commitment to the industry was evident in his 18 years with the National Buffalo Association, including three as its president. Alongside his son Larry Jr. he built and installed buffalo handling equipment throughout the country, always working with care and integrity.

Larry and Kay discovered their second home in Hawaii after their first visit in 1974. They spent the last 15 winters on the Big Island, whale watching, enjoying volcano displays and sharing picnics on the beach. They made countless cherished friendships there, and for Larry, Hawaii became a place of peace, wonder and deep joy "Paradise" in the winter and Kansas in the summer.

Larry will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a bold entrepreneur and a man whose life was guided by family, faith and purpose. His impact will live on through the countless lives he touched, a legacy rooted in love, adventure and dedication.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife Kay; four children Larry (Julie) Butterfield of Billings, MO, Julie (Dan) Ellenz, Tammy Wessling (Dennis) and Jeff (Jenny) Wessling, all of Beloit, KS; eight grandchildren Keri (Ben) Byers, Nicole (Seth) Hemmy, Brandon (Sabine) Butterfield, Garrett

Ellenz, Brad (Lyn) Ellenz, Jenilynn (Thane) Beckman, Jerrica (Shawn) Heidrick and Josh (Chantell) Wessling; 12 great-grandchildren Benson and Brooks Byers, Will and Sophie Hemmy, Ollie Butterfield, Ava, Luke, Charlie and Anna Ellenz, Kale and Kaden Wessling and Brenilynn Spiess; three siblings Chuck (Linda) of McPherson, KS, Dan (Linda) of Gothenburg and Karen Wiseman of Grand Island; as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings his twin brother Garry, Donald, Arlee, Charlotte, Shirley and Jack.