Larry McBride

Larry McBride was born March 30, 1946, in Beloit, Kansas to Evalyne E. (Wick) and Charles E. McBride. Larry attended school at Hunter High School in the small town of Hunter, Kansas. This area known for its agricultural roots and as a mecca for pheasant and deer hunting. Perhaps this is where Larry first developed his appreciation of the outdoors and his skills in hunting and fishing. Larry graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964.

Larry amassed a variety of skills as a farm worker for Wendell Watson in Hunter and employment with The Kansas State Highway Department in Salina. He purchased and managed the Daisy Mae’s Bar also n Salina. He received special recognition as State Director of the Salina Jaycees in 1977 – 1978. Larry was most recently employed as foreman for W.B. Carter Construction in Wichita Kansas.

Larry was an active member of several prominent motorcycle organizations including ABATE of Kansas, Kansas Modified Bike Association (KMBA), and the EBL of Salina, Kansas. The ABATE organization lobbies for motorcycle rights and safety and also sponsors a variety of charities. They hold a yearly rally at Perry Lake every Labor Day. Larry was one of the many riders in the Annual Christmas Toy Run. This event enjoys great support by many motorcycle enthusiasts.

Larry’s musical interests were varied and colorful. Brother Rick and nephew Chad accompanied by Larry and Susan enjoyed a Bob Seger concert in Wichita. The lovely blues singer Marsha Ball brought a concert to the Cotillion, a longtime Wichita event center. Of course many people participate in the yearly Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival in Winfield. This festival is a homecoming celebration for a diverse sampling of people, music, food, and numerous of other activities. This venue provided several days and nights of performances by multiple touring local and international artists, competitions, local campground impromptu jams and an all around great party.

Winter months were dedicated to the detailed maintenance of his Harley Shovelhead in preparation for the upcoming riding season. Often several riding buddies would join together and provide their wisdom, expertise and a share a couple of beers, as necessary, to get the job done. Their camaraderie and swapping stories of past motorcycle trips and plans for the coming season was very important to him. Larry very much enjoyed the simple life of just sitting around a campfire, tipping a few beers, and having good conversations with family and friends. Gatherings could be as close as his garage or a local pub. They could also range to the Arkansas hills, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota (Larry married Susan at this rally), Daytona Bike Week, or the Blue Ridge Mountains (Tail of the Dragon anyone?). With NASCAR in mind, they frequented the races at the Kansas Speedway for weekend events. At one point Larry and his good friend Charlie went to Kansas City to drive an actual race car around the track at the speedway. What a fun trip!

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ferrell Ann (stillborn), and his sister Beverly Kay Wolf (Dick). He is survived by his wife Susan McBride, his younger brother Rick (Merilynn) of Lincoln, Kansas and several nephews and nieces.

Visitation 5-7pm Tuesday, January 27, with funeral services 1pm Wednesday, January 28, all at Smith Family Mortuary Chapel in Derby. Interment will follow in the Maize Park Cemetery, Maize, KS.

A memorial has been established with Gentiva Hospice.