Lawrence “Larry” Brennan
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Lawrence “Larry” James Brennan passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 26th, 2022, at the age of 77 years old at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
Larry was born January 26th, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri to Elaine G. Smith and James E. Brennan. He was the second child, and oldest son, of the nine Brennan children. Larry attended St Agnes Catholic School through his eighth grade year before attending and eventually graduating from De LaSalle High School in 1963. Soon after graduation, Larry and Sharon Haman were married. The couple welcomed their first of two daughters, Tracy Lynn in 1964, followed by Jill Christine in 1967.
Larry’s passion for the car business began as a young boy spending countless hours at Jim Brennan Motors on Troost Avenue with his dad, Jim “J.B.” Brennan, who owned and operated the lot for many years. Larry enjoyed his free time in his home garage, and it wasn’t unusual to find him there polishing his favorite set of wheels at 3:00 A.M. However, he would have to tear himself away in order to arrive at the Union Pacific Railroad where he was employed as a yard clerk.
In the early seventies, Larry met and married Linda McDaniel and adopted her son Christopher. In 1979, after buying and selling cars out of his home garage for several years, Larry moved his operations to 3211 E. 12th St. and Excel Motors was born! The couple also owned and operated the Merry Go Round, Dizzy Magoo’s and Hot Rocks night clubs before eventually going their separate ways.
Always a romantic, Larry met and married Irene Dillon on October 24th, 1987, and together welcomed their daughter, Brieanna Jane. They enjoyed many happy years together. Even after the couple divorced in 2001, they remained dear friends throughout the rest of his life.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his siblings, Kathleen Buescher (Joe), Bobby (Debbie), Jane Henry (Bill), Billy (Connie), Rosemary Baker (Steve), Jackie (Sheila), Jimmy, and Tommy (Zan). Larry leaves behind his daughters, Tracy (John), Jill, and Brieanna. He will be missed by his seven beloved grandchildren, Kaylee (Adam), Jeffrey, Jacob, Kevin, Emily (David), Ashlynn, and Alayna; and two beautiful great-granddaughters, Brynnly and Lacey. Larry’s life-long friend, John Roth will miss and grieve for him as deeply as any family member.
Larry was looking forward to finally settling into his golden years, and in April of 2022, relocated to a lovely condo in Raytown, Missouri. He was in the process of closing out the legacy that was Excel Motors and finally considering retirement. In June of 2022, Larry was afflicted with a particularly serious case of Bell’s Palsy, which required a hospital stay. Later, while recovering in his home, Larry once again became ill and was hospitalized and required ICU care. Eventually, Larry’s condition worsened to a degree where open heart surgery was emergent, but after surviving the successful surgery, he unfortunately suffered a severe stroke only hours later.
Tragically, Larry’s last few months were nowhere near as vibrant as he deserved, and he passed away far too soon; though, his passage to heaven was made beautiful by those that loved him most. Larry took his last breaths in the comfort of his three daughters, Tracy, Jill, and
Brieanna; Tracy’s husband, John; his granddaughter, Kaylee; and his dear friend and former wife, Irene.
Please help us celebrate Larry’s life the way he would have wanted by joining us for his Celebration of Life on Wednesday, September 21st from 5:30-8:30 P.M. at Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave, Prairie Village, KS 66207.
This is a wonderful statement of Larry’s life and all the people whom he loved and who returned the love. God Bless Larry and all those who knew and cared for him throughout his life!!!
Larry was a kind and gentle soul!!
He will e missed by many.
What a beautiful obituary for a wonderful brother, son, husband, grandpa and great grandpa. We will keep him and all the Brennans in our hearts and prayers. Love and peace to all of you.
Larry was a kind and understanding older brother who always had time for his sisters’ friends. He did his share of teasing too. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace. Condolences to all the Brennan’s.
Larry’s magic smile and uplifting attitude will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace cousin.
Tracy,
I’m so sorry for your families loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
HIS PERSONALITY WAS UNMATCHED AND THAT SMILE THAT WOULD BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY! HE WAS A INSPIRATION TO MANY YOUNG DEALERS IN THE CAR BUSINESS.MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ALL THAT LOVED HIM.WE WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY ALL THAT HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING HIM!
Mr Wonderful will be missed by so many!! He touched everyone he met, he went way to soon!!!
We are all heartbroken.
So very sorry to his daughters and all the family fir this terrible loss.
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FRIENDS FROM DE LA SALLE, GAVE ME NICK NAME “SUSIE”” BECAUSE IT WAS EASIER FOR HIM TO SAY THEN SUPANCIC. GREAT GUY WHICH I HAD SEEN HIM MORE IN OUR LATER YEARS. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND
I’ve only known Larry for the last two years, but he was a one of a kind spirit. Every time you would see him, he’d brighten your day. He gave us all nicknames and was a joy to work with. He will be greatly missed.
Deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss.
Larry always made me smile. He will be missed. My condolences to all his family.
He was a wonderful man to many people. I know he will be missed. I won’t be able to attend the funeral, but you will all be in my prayers.
Love, Sandy Backs.
Rest in peace Larry ?.
Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes
A farewell call is necessary before
You you can meet again.
And meeting again, after moments or
Lifetimes, is certain for those who are
Friends. ~~Richard Bach.
Rosie, I remember when we would go to your house, I’d always hope that Larry would be there because he was always smiling and fun. Looking back I bet I had a crush on him My thoughts and prayers for your family ?? Larry will have lots to say to his dad about the car business!!
Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes
A farewell call is necessary before
You you can meet again.
And meeting again, after moments or
Lifetimes, is certain for those who are
Friends. ~~Richard Bach.
Rosie, I remember when we would go to your house, I’d always hope that Larry would be there because he was always smiling and fun. Looking back I bet I had a crush on him My thoughts and prayers for your family ?? Larry will have lots to say to his dad about the car business!!
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Brennan family. Please know we have you all in our hearts & prayers .
Larry and Linda gave my band Us the opportunity to begin our young careers playing at Dizzy Magoos and Hot Rocks and also the Merry Go Round. Larry was always kind and funny. I’m sad to hear of his passing. Peace to him and his family.
I have not seen Larry (or Irene) in years, but Larry’s smile would brighten up a room. Larry was a wonderful and a very special person. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Sending lots of hugs, love and prayers.
I only heard of Larry’s passing recently, what a great loss for all.
Larry was and still is a an inspiration for all, falling isn’t the problem. Getting back up and starting over is the challenge.
You will be missed my friend.
May you rest in peace.
I only heard of Larry’s passing a few days after the fact. I sensed something was wrong. Larry was a good friend for many years. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to nag you about your blood pressure, but I was needed elsewhere. We had many laughs. Thanks for being my friend. Until we meet again.