Larry Mcgee

Larry Lee McGee, 79, of Paola, Kansas, died Sunday, May 5, 2019 at Olathe Hospice House with his family by his side. Born on April 10, 1940 to Earl and Helene McGee in Smith Center, Kansas, Larry grew up playing sports, hunting and fishing. He met his future wife, Judy McVicker, in elementary school. They married in their senior year and moved to Salina where Larry studied English, physical education, and played football. His first teaching job was at Lincoln , KS followed by Rossville, Kansas where he taught English, drama, and coached football, basketball, and developed a track program. It was there that a third child was added to their young family. Working on a master’s degree during the summers from Emporia and Kansas State, he was able to begin his administrative career as principal of Rossville High School. It was during this time that his father-in-law instilled his love of playing golf and Larry never lost his passion for the game. In 1969, he began his long tenure as principal of Paola High School where he helped guide and encourage thousands of students. The importance of education was always something he wanted to share. After earning his Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from KU, Larry became assistant superintendent and curriculum director for Paola schools. In 1995, he was devasted by the loss of his best friend and wife, Judy. Two years later, he was given a new lease on life and married Patti Emley. After retirement in 2000, he was able to devote more time to his civic work through Sunrise Lions Club, membership in Paola United Methodist Church, golf and grandchildren. He also began writing his column, ‘Fibber’s Closet’ for the Miami County Republic, which satisfied his lifelong interest in writing. It also gave him a chance to share his humorous point of view on life which he enjoyed very much. As Patti’s children started families, he was gifted with four more grandchildren who brought much love and joy to his life. Family was the most important aspect of Larry’s life. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and a brother. He is survived by his wife, Patti, of the home; children and spouses, Stacy and Don Banks of Paola, Toby and Heather McGee of Oklahoma City, Renee and Jeff Teague of Cheney, KS, Cory and Erin Emley of Leawood, KS, and Lyndsy and Cory Poulsen of Eudora, KS; sister Joan Emme of Hays, KS; ; grandchildren, Allison (Joe) Sanders, Brad (Kelly) Banks, Emily, Logan, Sara, Ethan, and Seth Teague, Tommy (Erica) Collins, Mallory (Billy) Clark, Lola and Asher Emley, and Madelyn and Murphy Poulsen; 7 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and their families. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the U.S.D. 368 Endowment Fund. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 305 N. Pearl St., Paola, KS. Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Paola United Methodist Church, 209 Silver St., Paola, KS. To share your memories of Larry or leave a special condolence message for his family, please click the Share A Memory tab.