Larry Lemar Engler

Larry Lemar Engler, 89, of Topeka, passed away on March 1, 2026 at Stormont Vail Hospital.

He was born on December 23, 1936 to Chester and Nettie (Croyle) Engler in Topeka, Kansas. Lived his entire life on the family homestead in Shawnee County. Attended school and graduated in what is now the Auburn-Washburn Rural USD 437. Later he attended Kansas State University in Manhattan. He was Honorably discharged as Sergeant after 10 years in the Army National Guard.

Larry retired from The Menninger Foundation, a world renowned psychiatric hospital in Topeka. During his 30 years there, he worked as heavy equipment operator, head of security, installation of phones, after completing a correspondence course in locksmithing, he became he head of the locksmith shop, where he was responsible for over a thousand keys. He served for a time as a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department. Larry also farmed, designed and built Herford Campers, Hook and Hold Boat Anchors among others. Larry was a carpenter, welder, mechanic and sundry other talents, skills and endeavors.

Larry actively served on the board of the Shawnee County Rural Water District #3 from 1992 until his death. He served as Chairman from February 2002 to February 2023. He was project manager for the new water district building that was later dedicated in his name in 2015, and is known as the Larry L. Engler Building, located on South Wanamaker Road in Topeka.

On June 20, 2004, he married Jan Engler (Cooper), following the death of his spouse, Marguerite (Case) Forman. Larry and Janet lived on the homestead in SW Topeka. Larry was a hard working man, an avid fisherman, hunter, hang glide pilot, among many other talents. He was a very involved member and Deacon of Topeka First Assembly of God Church for many years.

He was a was member of NRA, BassMaster, 4H, North American Fishing Club, among a few others.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Jan, daughter, Debra (Engler) Sabrsula of Wharton, Texas, step-daughter Brenda (Forman) Calderon Rushing and spouse, Mark of La Porte, Texas, step-son Michael E. Forman and spouse Debbie of Sanford Florida, step-son SGM Dennis Paxton and Becky Edison of Lansing, Kansas, and step-daughter Donna (Paxton) Conklin of Topeka, Kansas, sister in-law, Martha J. Dunbar and spouse Ed, 30 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father; Chester Engler, mother; Nettie Engler, brothers; Lyle Engler and Warren Engler.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10:00am, April 25, 2026 at the Topeka First Assembly Church, 500 SW 27th St, Topeka, KS 66611.

Memorials are suggested to the Topeka First Assembly of God Church, Arbor Day Foundation, or the Humane Society.

To share a memory of Larry or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.