Larry Duane Norman

Larry Duane Norman, 80 passed away at Medicalodges of Iola on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Larry was born in Eureka, Kansas on May 9, 1945 to Wesley Irving and Mildred Esther (Misner) Norman. Larry grew up on a farm outside of Piedmont, Kansas. In 1963, Larry graduated from Piedmont High School. In 1965 Larry married Sharon Samuels and to this union, they had 1 daughter, Nicole Norman Doty, and 4 grandchildren, Billy, Xylan, Zelldin and Selphie. Larry and Sharon later divorced. After high school, Larry worked for his brother-in-law, W.F. Meisch Dirt Construction.
Larry then remarried to Diana Smith Norman in 1982. To this union, they had 1 son, Nathan Norman, and 2 step-sons, Phil and Patrick Buffington, and 1 step-daughter, Debbie Buffington Gibson; and 10 grandchildren, Genevive, Jillian, Melody, Abigail, Kerissa, Jaden, Morgan, Trey, Matthew, and Nicholas. During this time, Larry worked for Jarvis Auto Supply for 20 years, then left to co-own Sterling Service and Supply in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, with Larry Adams, before returning to manage Jarvis Auto Supply in Eureka, Kansas until his heart transplant. Larry received a full heart transplant on December 7, 1995, and was one of the most successful and longest surviving recipients of a heart transplant. He later returned to Meisch Dirt Construction under Bud and Roland Meisch as he was able.
In his adult life, Larry lived in Cedar Vale, Eureka, and Howard. He was a living in Howard until he moved to Medicalodges in Iola in August of 2024. Larry was a dedicated member of the Eureka area Lions Club for many years. Larry enjoyed reading and collecting Western books and memorabilia. His favorite author was Louis L’Amour. He also loved John Wayne.
Larry is also survived by his nieces, Pam Coons and Linda Askew, and his nephews, Bud and Bruce Meisch.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Donna Lucille Meisch Johnston, and Mary Darlene Meisch. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home and a graveside service will be held at a later date at Ladd Cemetery outside of Eureka, Kansas.