Lawrence L. Delana

Lawrence L. Delana, age 83, of Paola, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Olathe Hospice House.

Lawrence was born on July 28, 1942, in Dover, Missouri. He was the fourth of seven children born to Everett B. and Melvina (Franklin) Delana. He grew up in Bonner Springs, Kansas, where he attended school and graduated with the Class of 1959.

In 1962, while working at Midwest Cold Storage, Lawrence met the love of his life, Shirley. The two were married on June 14, 1963, in Olathe, Kansas. From the beginning of their marriage, Lawrence lovingly assumed the role of father to Shirley’s three children. While Lawrence gained three children, Shirley and her children were equally blessed with a devoted husband, father, and an extended family who welcomed them wholeheartedly. Along with Lawrence’s parents, Shirley gained two brothers, Elbert (Kay) and Keith (Jeanne), and four sisters, Doris, Joyce (Gene), Senie (Larry), and Cheri (Phil).

Lawrence and Shirley made their home in DeSoto and Bonner Springs, Kansas, until June of 1971, when they settled in Paola, Kansas, where they built a life filled with love, family, and lasting memories.

Lawrence began his career with Yellow Freight as a truck driver and dedicated 38 years of service before retiring in 1998. He was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and pride in providing for his family.A deeply loving man, Lawrence and Shirley helped raise many children over the years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. 

Lawrence was also an avid collector who loved the thrill of the hunt and greatly enjoyed spending time at garage sales and auctions, always searching for unique treasures.

Together, Lawrence and Shirley shared an extraordinary life and were truly inseparable. They enjoyed fishing and camping with their family and hosted countless holidays in their home, filled with laughter, great food, and love. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2013, surrounded by family and friends. Lawrence’s love and devotion to Shirley were evident in everything he did, especially in the care he provided her until her peaceful passing.

Lawrence is survived by his three children: Vicki (Marty) Newport, Gene Koger, and Karen (Lester) Kaiser; ten grandchildren: Tellye (Kent), Gary (Michelle), Heidi (Rob), Stephanie, Jared(Ngan), David (Tina), James (Sylvia), Lisa, Laurie (Josh), and Pete (Dena); numerous great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a beloved great-niece, Heather, and her son Brantley whom lived with him and both called him Papa; two siblings, Keith Delana and Cheri Johnston; and many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley;his daughter-in-law Paula Koger, his parents, Everett and Melvina Delana; his brother, Elbert Delana; and his sisters, Senie McDargh, Joyce Coleman, and Doris Beers.

Memorials to the Miami County Cancer Foundation send c/o Eddy Birchard Funeral Home P.O. Box 430, Osawatomie, KS 66064.