Larry John Setter, 79, of McFarland, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at his home.Larry was born September 9, 1946, in Garnett, Kansas, the son of Michael J. and Mareeta (Shellhorn) Setter. He was raised in Garnett where he spent his time playing basketball, baseball, frequently riding his bike to hangout with friends in Greeley, and was constantly going whether it was joining the wheat harvest or working locally.
After graduating from Garnett High School in 1964 he attended and graduated from Pittsburg State University Vo-Tech.Larry served in the United States Air Force and deployed during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Thailand and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant during his military service. Larry worked in logistics, electronics, and special programs.When Larry returned home, he worked for the United Telephone Company, Sprint, Embarq, and CenturyLink. During his thirty plus year career, he started as a lineman and eventually worked his way up to the Midwest Region Supervisor.
Larry was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Knights of Columbus. In his earlier years he enjoyed playing softball, coaching youth wrestling, and assisting with local veteran events and memorials, such as the Vietnam Memorial in Junction City. He was an avid KU, Chiefs, and Royals fan and his frequent shouts of Rock Chalk let you know it. He was a people person, and his sociability and good humor created friends wherever he went. He was especially known for the meticulous care of his vehicles which was a point of personal pride.
Larry's civic mindedness led him to serve on the McFarland City Council and other local government positions.Larry is survived by his children; Neshawn VanCleave, Cherokee, Kansas, Robert M. Setter (Lecia) Fort Bragg, North Caolina, and T.J. Setter, McFarland, Kansas; his grandchildren, Caleb, Aaron, Emily, Josh, Rhett, Matthew, Alyssa and Anneliese, and his great-grandchildren David, Micah, and Skarlett. He is also survived by his siblings, Don Setter (Marydale), Olathe, Kansas and Gary Setter (Wilma), Westphalia, Kansas. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Robert.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery west of Manhattan, Kansas. Larry’s family will greet friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Alma, Kansas. A rosary prayer service will be held after visitation at 7:00 pm.
Larry’s family suggest memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice and those may be sent in care of the funeral home at P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS, 66547. Online condolences can be made at www.campanellastewart.com.