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 worked and retired from the Menninger Foundation in Topeka after 30 plus years. Over the years he performed several duties including, heavy equipment operator, head of security, installing phones, and head of the locksmith shop. Following a correspondence course for locksmithing he headed that department and being responsible for a thousand keys for the Menninger Foundation, which was a psychiatric hospital. He served for a time as a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department. He had numerous business endeavors including developing and selling numerous projects he designed. A few being Hereford campers, Hook and Hold boat anchors, etc.

Larry also served as a board member of the Shawnee County Rural Water District No. 3 and served from 1992 through February 2026. He was elected Chairman in February 2002 and served in that capacity until February 2023. He was also project manager for the new building which was dedicated in his name in 2005, which is known as the Shawnee County RWD No. 3 Larry L. Engler Building, located on South Wanamaker.

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, mechanic, woodworker, hang glide pilot, among many other talents. He was a very involved member and Deacon of First Assembly of God Church in Topeka 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, Janet, 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, Marti (Ed) Dunbar, 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.

Funeral services are tentatively scheduled for April 25, 2026, more information to be announced at a later date.

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

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