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Larry Joe Koochel, 1939 - 2020
LarryKoochel
Larry Joe Koochel
Published: Nov 30, 2020, 4:58 PM

Larry Joe Koochel, 81, beloved husband, father, papa, businessman and automobile aficionado, died peacefully on November 25, 2020 at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center, Dallas, TX due to complications from a recent surgery.

In May 1966, Larry and Saundra Powell married at The First Christian Church, Liberal, KS.
 
Born July 23, 1939 in Great Bend, KS to Olin and Dorothy Wilhelm Koochel, Larry was known to distribute his fair share of mayhem in the areas surrounding Great Bend and in particular Albert, KS which his family called home.

Educated at Otis-Bison High School and Fort Hays State University, he was wise beyond his education and people of all ages sought his advice. After graduating from college, it led him to Liberal High School as an automotive instructor. He then transitioned into setting up the first automotive program at the Liberal Area Vo-Tech School of which he was very proud. Just about anything he touched he could repair and he created many masterpieces. This talent formed the basis of his next step of owning Koochel Automotive Clinic and Parts Store. He was known to be very mechanically proficient, and demonstrated this time and time again with anything that had wheels, especially Corvettes.

One of his greatest accomplishments was serving the community in which he lived. His service began by being appointed to the Liberal Planning and Zoning Commission. He continued to serve his community by being elected City Commissioner and Mayor for several terms.

Larry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Saundra; a son, Todd and his wife Holly; a daughter, Audra; and grandchildren, Madeline, Tyler and Lexie.

There will be a private family service for immediate family only. Friends are encouraged to leave condolences at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Baker Arts Center or the Mid-America Air Museum in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, Ks 67877.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory
PO Box 1200
Sublette, KS 67877
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 2, 2020
Olin Dean Collicott 1945 - 2025
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Olin Dean Collicott
Published: Mar 4, 2025, 7:24 PM

SALINA — Olin Dean Collicott, 80, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Salina Regional Health Center. He was born to Stacey and Fleta Collicott on Feb. 2, 1945 in Great Bend, Kan.  

He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1965 to 1971. One of Olin’s proudest moments was marching with his unit in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s funeral in April 1969.  

Olin worked as a machinist for 30 years at SEMCO in Great Bend before moving to Salina, Kan. in 1995 where he worked at Exline until he retired. 

On October 14, 2001, he married Dianne Downing. Together, they enjoyed fishing, traveling and spending time with family and friends.   

Olin loved to tinker in his garage. Over the years, he rebuilt numerous Ford classic cars, including a ‘65 and ‘66 Mustang, a ‘56 Thunderbird, a ‘57 Ford Custom and a ‘56 F100. He loved going to car shows and won multiple awards for his cars.    

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Dianne; his children, Christy (Rex) Watts of Strong City, Kan., Christopher (Stacey) of Lawrence, Kan., and Stacey (Paul) Morgan of Louisville, Kent.; his brother, Larry of Wichita, Kan.; his sister, Janice Beehler of Wichita, Kan.,; and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary in Salina, Kan. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Olin’s honor may be sent to Tammy Walker Cancer Center or the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Ryan Mortuary. 


Funeral arrangements provided by

Ryan Mortuary

137 N. 8th Street

Salina, KS  67401

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 6, 2025