Larry Lee Schugart, 85, went to his heavenly home, passing peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 29, 2024, at Parkwood Village, in Pratt, Kan. He was born Aug. 5, 1939, in Great Bend to Ervin and Anna (Hlavaty) Schugart.

Larry is a Class of 1957 Great Bend High School graduate. He married Kathy Krueger Nov. 22, 1958, in Great Bend. He began his academic journey at Emporia State and participated in varsity basketball and baseball. He then graduated in 1961 on a basketball scholarship, from St. Mary of the Plains College with a bachelor’s in business administration. He quickly began chasing a banking career in 1963, at Peoples Savings and Loan Association as a teller. In 1971, he was promoted to vice president, branch manager, and board of directors’ member. There was a merge in the company to become Landmark Federal Savings Association and in 1985, Larry was named as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under the leadership of Larry, Landmark Bank went public with an initial public offering (IPO) in early 1994. On the very first day of trading, Larry had the honor of ringing the NASDAQ opening bell in New York City. Impressively, 30 years later, its stock still trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol LARK. Larry and Landmark teamed up and were instrumental in the groundbreaking of the housing development, Twin Lakes. He served as chairman of the Kansas-Nebraska League of Savings Institutions, and a two-time director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. He was also a member of the U.S. League Governmental Affairs Committee. May 2013, he retired from the board of directors. He retired from banking in 2002. He was a member of Prince of Peace, Elks Lodge, Petroleum Club, Dodge City chamber of commerce, Dodge City Daily Globe editorial board, Great Bend Ambassador club, Barton County Historical Society, and Knights of Columbus.

Even after retirement, Larry was a selfless volunteer and community leader in providing assistance for families in reaching their financial needs and took that role very seriously. Larry served as president of multiple organizations within the community, including Great Bend Optimist Club, Panther Booster Club, Panther Parents, Catholic Social Services, St. Patrick Elementary School board, Golden Belt Red Cross, and Great Bend Ambassador Club. He was a founding father of the Cougar Booster Club and supported Cougar Athletics by being a donor for the indoor/outdoor center practice floor in the Kirkman Center. He was inducted into the Barton County Community College Hall of Fame in 2013. He served as chairman at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Triple I Show, and Great Bend United Way. Larry was past director of Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized by the American Red Cross for donating almost 23 gallons of blood which went on to help so many. He was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the Great Bend Jaycees and was named a Kansas Jaycees “Outstanding Young Man.” But his greatest accomplishment was his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that will miss him dearly.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 66 years, Kathy Schugart; four children, Brenda Richardson and her husband Scott of Pratt, Rhonda Rickert of Wichita, Jeff Schugart of Kansas City, and Rex Schugart and his wife Jan of Kansas City; grandchildren, Sara (Justin), Brad (Jordon), Brett, Austin, Ali (Alec), Michael, Annie, John, Grant, Ryan (Becca), Ty (Jordan); great grandchildren, Emersyn, Whitley, Braylen, and Leo. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Geneva Horner. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at St Patrick Catholic Church with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding and Father Bob Schremmer concelebrating. Visitation will be held at Bryant Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, with family receiving guests from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Prince of Peace Parish or Golden Belt Community Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS  67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 4, 2025