Larry Dean Pierce

Larry Dean Pierce, 86 of Emporia, Kansas died Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia.

Larry was born June 5, 1937, in Emporia, the son of Wilbur Franklin and Sarah Helen (Cannon) Pierce. He graduated from Emporia High School in 1955. At the age of 16 Larry joined the Kansas National Guard. Also in his youth, he purchased an old jalopy and raced dirt track with his buddies. Early employment included time at Boeing in Wichita working in Quality Control. Later he worked for Didde-Glaser Web Press and was instrumental in implementing computer programming. In 1974 he and business partner Jim Jordan started Management Advisory Computer Systems (MACS). The business was sold when Larry retired in 2007. Larry retired from the Kansas National Guard as a Captain after serving from 1953 – 1975. He was a member of the Ball-McColm Post #5, American Legion. He enjoyed bowling and was an avid WWII history buff. After surviving a tragic plane crash in 1969 he took on the challenge of obtaining a pilot’s license. And on top of all this, he built killer chocolate chip cookies.

Larry married Judith Verlin on October 5, 1956. To this union Leisa and Brent were born. They later divorced. On May 28, 1977, Larry married Sandra Ruth Humphrey in Independence, Missouri. She survives. Other survivors include sons Brent Pierce and wife Brenda of East Lansing, Michigan, Jeff Humphrey and partner Kathy Vardaman of Bella Vista, Arkansas, daughters Leisa Albers and husband Zoe of Lyndon, Kansas, Susan Humphrey of Emporia, brother Warren Pierce and wife Gaylene of Andover, Kansas, grandchildren Sarah Albers, Keith Albers, Allison Mikulec, Chase Pierce, Addison Pierce and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Maurine Gilbert.

Cremation is planned. Services to be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home.