Lawrence Francisco Espinosa, 81, fell asleep in death on Nov. 23, 2025, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kan. He was born in Great Bend, Kan. on March 4, 1944, to Jose and Natalia (Ramirez) Espinosa. On June 27,1964, he married Karla Jean Neal in Great Bend.

A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Lawrence began working in his early teens with the family business, Espinosa and Sons Trash Service. Later he began working in the oil patch as a roughneck, driller, roustabout, mechanic, and more. He worked for several companies including NCRA and later retired from Farley Machine Shop.

Lawrence was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He dedicated his life to faithfully serve Jehovah God and was baptized on May 5, 1974. For more than 50 years, he loyally served as an exemplary brother and spiritual father to many in the congregation, and he also served for decades as a congregation elder. One of his greatest joys was serving in the full-time ministry for nearly 10 years. Sharing God’s Word with others was of utmost importance to him. He didn’t know a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He had a unique way of formulating illustrations that helped the listener to really think. Even when enduring serious health issues, his primary concern was about others and his desire to share the Good News with them.

Lawrence had a deep-seated love for family. He was known for being a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Whether fishing, playing a card game, or enjoying a game of baseball, Lawrence loved life and was an encouraging mentor.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Karla, who affectionately called him Larry; son Michael L. Espinosa and wife Graciela of Great Bend; four grandchildren Zachary, Jazmine, Michael A., and Marco; three great grandchildren, Natalie, Harley, and Karica; four brothers, Joe Espinosa, Butch Espinosa, Robert Espinosa, all of Great Bend, Gilbert Espinosa and wife Cindy of St Louis; two sisters, Jane Stejskal of Great Bend, and Lalita Semon and husband Mark of Wichita; former daughter-in-law Rebecca; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Christopher Espinosa; two brothers Oscar Espinosa and Jesse Espinosa.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Lawrence F. Espinosa Expense Fund or Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., 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, Nov. 29, 2025