Dr. Lawrence Perry, Jr.

Dr. Lawrence Lindsay (Larry) Perry, Jr., age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023.  Larry was born on June 1^st, 1934. In grade school, he met the girl that would be by his side for the next 80 years.  That girl was Geraldine Ann (Gerry) Swenson Perry and she survives him.  To their precious union was born a daughter, Jacquie, and a son, Mark, who were the light of their lives and in whom they were most proud.

Larry was born in North Kansas City and grew up there.  He loved his parents and the childhood they provided.  As a teenager at North KC High School, he was a standout multi-sport athlete, even playing quarterback when his team won the Missouri State Football Championship.

He attended University of Missouri and began his medical training there. While in Columbia he and Gerry married in June of 1954. Larry went on to attend KU Medical School and graduated in 1959. The young couple moved to North Kansas City where Dr. Perry conducted a family medicine practice.  Then, in 1962, he and Gerry moved their young family to Roswell, New Mexico, where Dr. Perry served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps.  All four of the Perry family have fascinating and funny and fond memories of their two years there.

Afterwards, they returned to NKC and lived in the KC area for the rest of their lives, together.  Professionally, Dr. Perry was on the staff of several hospitals including North Kansas City Hospital, Trinity Lutheran Hospital and Spelman Memorial Hospital, and then spent most of his career at KU in the Family Medicine Department.  As a Family Practice physician over the years, he saw many patients for many reasons, often in their homes. He kept a spotlight on his car for those “middle of the night” house calls. 

Larry and Gerry’s love and generosity was unlimited when it came to their family.  They cared for Larry’s aging parents in their home until the end of their lives.  They loved their children and their children’s families unconditionally, providing love and support in so many ways.  Holidays at their home were so special and a highlight for all. 

Over the years they forged very special friendships including neighbors in the wonderful Breen Hills neighborhood where Jacquie and Mark grew up, Old Pike Country Club where Larry loved playing tennis doubles with Gerry, Taco Tuesdays with their beloved Parkville Presbyterian pals and many friends at KU med.

Larry’s gentle and caring nature and always-ready smile, hugs and kisses will be so missed.

The family would like to thank all the loving caregivers at Tallgrass who cared for Larry so well.

Larry is survived by his wife, Gerry; his children Jacquie (Tom) Steinbrecher and Mark (Barbara) Perry; his grandchildren Kacie (Andrew) Kuykendall, Michael (Anna) Perry, and Elizabeth (Michael) Klingler, and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial services for Larry will be on Friday, October 27^th at 10:00 am in the Wesley Covenant Chapel on the campus of Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS, 13720 Roe Avenue. There will be a short visitation after the service to greet the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital or to the Alzheimer’s Association.