Retired Sgt. Larry "Sarge" Eugene Widener, 51, of Arkansas City, Kansas, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Born Sept. 15, 1968, in Winfield, Kansas, he was the son of Michael and Janice (Carpenter) Curnutt. He was raised and received his education in Belle Plaine, graduating from Belle Plaine High School in May 1987.
Sarge enlisted in the National Guard in 1986. He was deferred until he turned 18 and did his basic training after he graduated high school. He served a total of 23 years in the Army National Guard, 18 of which was active duty. During his time in the National Guard, he received numerous awards and medals including a Purple Heart, two Bronze Star Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Silver Hour Glass, Humanitarian Service Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, and numerous other decorations, medals, badges, and ribbons.
Larry enjoyed knives, whittling, guns, hunting, and fishing. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren who affectionately called him peepaw.
His family includes his children, Jenna Curnutt and husband, Chase Von Bon of Winfield; Andy Winters of Arkansas City; Brittani Alexander of Arkansas City; Zachary Crowley of Arkansas City; his mother Janice Curnutt of Arkansas City; his wife Donna Widener of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his siblings, Susan Evans and husband, Blaine of Winfield; Sherri Reinwalt and husband, Robert of Honeywell; Jennifer Colclasure and husband, Andy of Newkirk, Oklahoma; Scott Widener and wife, Stephanie of Arkansas City; Melissa Clark and fianc, Eric Crabtree of Arkansas City; Janet Danler and husband, Michael of Oxford; his grandchildren, Mackenzie, Graysen, Brody, Echo, Skyler, Skylee, Vincent; his aunt Barbara Black of Wichita; and numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Sarge was preceded in death by his father, Michael Curnutt, sister Kathy Thurber, cousin Michelle Colgan, maternal grandparents, Wilma and Tate Cecil Loomis and Ed Beals, and paternal grandparents, Elmo and Margaret Curnutt.
Graveside services and military committal honors will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield. A visitation is scheduled at Miles Funeral Service, 4001 E. 9th Avenue, Winfield, on Wednesday, July 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. The family will greet visitors during this time.
A memorial has been established in Larrys name for Wounded Warriors. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.