Steven Joe LaRue, age 72, resident of Bronson, KS, died Saturday, October 1, 2022, at KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS.  He was born on October 21, 1949, in Iola, KS, the son of Charles and Elaine Johnson LaRue.

He married Mary Jo Hall on December 7, 1969, in Bronson.

Steve worked for Diebold Lock and Key in Minneapolis, MN for 10 years.  After moving back home, he worked for Diebolt Lumber in LaHarpe, KS, for the next 30 plus years.  All during this time he was also working as a locksmith.

Steve loved his 1950 John Deere tractor.  He even had it parked outside his window these last few months so he could view it in the background of the hummingbird feeder.

In earlier days, he was very involved in his children’s activities, especially sports.  He also enjoyed calling bingo.

Steve never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell.  Every morning he would play several “oldies” including “Wake Up Little Suzie.”  He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, the Masons, and the Shriners.

Survivors include his wife Mary Jo; 3 daughters, Sherry Dwyer and husband Terry, Linwood, KS, Linda Zibert, LaHarpe, KS, and Donna Kovacic and husband Jeff, Stark, KS; 2 sons, Donald LaRue and wife Janet, Overbrook, KS, and Dean LaRue, Linwood, KS; 3 brothers Larry LaRue and wife Mary Ann, Michigan, Roy LaRue and wife Amy, Florida, and Ray LaRue and wife Tami, Moran, KS, 6 grandchildren, Diana and husband Tyler, Julia and husband Chad, Bryson, Wade, Abby, and Orin; 3 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Hunter Kovacic; and a granddaughter, Makala LaRue.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 6^th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Wednesday evening at the Carriage House, 310 S. Main St., Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Steve LaRue Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.