Lawrence Thomas Rouen, Jr.

Lawrence Thomas Rouen, Jr, 94, of Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2023. Larry was born on September 3, 1928, in Kansas City, MO, third child of the late Theresa Marie Orrick and Lawrence Thomas Rouen.

Larry met Joan Maxine Smith, the love of his life, on an ice skating blind date at Swope Park and they were married on April 22, 1950 in Emporia, KS. Their union lasted for 71 years until Joan’s death in 2021. They were blessed with ten children.

Larry was a proud 70-year member of IBEW Local Union 124. He was an Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He enjoyed playing cards, spending time at his vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks, eating out with his family, and traveling with his wife and friends to Hawaii, Panama, Aruba, and Ireland. He was also a longtime parishioner of St. Catherine of Sienna Parish until its closing in April, 2023.

Larry was a jack-of-all-trades and frequently worked on many handyman projects for anyone who asked for his help. He was a fantastic whistler, which served as an indicator of how well things were going: whistling – good, silence – do not disturb. He was famous for his signature treat, the Pepsi float, which he loved to share with his grandchildren.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his parents, Larry and Theresa Rouen; his sisters, Rosemary Lucas (Bill); Patricia Shamley (Rex); Dolores Darling (Jim); and great-granddaughter, Allison Michelle Fisher.

He is survived by his children Larry Rouen (Patty), Mike Rouen (Toni), Pat Rouen (Rita), Rob Rouen (Mary), Jane Watters (Greg), Mary Young (Pete), Maureen Berger (Hal), Annette Barry (Leo), Tim Rouen (Sun), and Karen Doggendorf (Dan), 30 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, his sister Kathleen Rouen, and his brother Richard Rouen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Head for the Cure 5K – Team Little Owl, 1607 Oak St., Kansas City, MO 64108 or online at https://give.headforthecure.org/TeamLittleOwl

Services will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO on Monday, June 26, 2023. Visitation begins at 9:30 am. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 am, followed by Mass at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.