Larry William Hilmes was born in Ransom, KS, on May 16, 1939, to the late Henry John and Armilla (Luetters) Hilmes. He passed away, Saturday, June 9, 2012, in the KU Medical Center at Kansas City, KS, at the age of 73.


He graduated from Ransom High School and attended Vo-Tech school for a year. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.


On January 23, 1971, Larry was united in marriage to Caroline Mazanec in Hays, KS. He was a lifetime resident of Trego County and owned and operated Hilmes TV Service in WaKeeney and retired in 2005.


He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3774 and the Randall Reid VFW Post #3449, both in WaKeeney.


Those left to mourn his passing are his wife, Caroline of WaKeeney; two sons, Bill Hilmes and wife, Liz, of WaKeeney, Larry W. Hilmes, Jr. of Henderson, NV; a grandchild, Gage Hilmes; four brothers, Fred Hilmes and wife, Gladys, of Ness City, Dan Hilmes and wife, Ninfa, of Othello, WA, Kenny Hilmes and wife, Brenda, of WaKeeney, Alan Hilmes and wife, Lindy, of Indianapolis, IN; and a sister, Karen Interman and husband, Larry, of Dodge City, KS.


His parents; a brother, Don Hilmes; and a sister, Sandra Hilmes, preceded him in death.

Visitation is 5-7 PM Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Schmitt Funeral Home in WaKeeney with an Eagles' Memorial Service at 7:00 PM. Services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, June 15, 2012 also in Schmitt Funeral Home with Fathers Henry Hildebrandt and David Kraus officiating. Interment is in Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney.

Memorials are suggested to the Eagles Heart Fund or the Gage Hilmes Education Fund and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.