Larry Arthur Hanks, 74, longtime resident of Florida’s west coast, passed away on May 25, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 22, 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up on the family farm.
Larry is survived by Carol his loving wife of 44 years and brothers, Dennis (Mercedes), Brian (Sheryl) and Phil (Nancy), sisters-in-law Irene (Buz) and Jean (John) and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Carol Hanks and a fourth brother Mark.
Larry’s life was defined by his love for and devotion to Carol and their life together. Their marriage was an abiding love affair which was an inspiration to everyone who knew them as a couple and those who Larry and Carol touched with their kindness and generosity.
Larry’s second devotion was to the world of golf. Golf gave him a long successful career, a forever challenge as a fine player and hundreds of friends made over his 50 years in the game.
After graduating with a BS from the University of Central Missouri, Larry became the golf course superintendent at Brookridge Country Club in Overland Park, KS. Over many years as a practicing superintendent, he became expert in turf management, golf course agronomy and operations. Those skills led him to assist in the development and construction of golf courses in Overland Park, LaQuinta CA and Myrtle Beach, SC. Following on, Larry evolved into executive positions in the golf industry capped by 14 years as National Sales Manager at Valley Crest Golf Course Maintenance and 5 years as Senior Vice President at Landscapes Unlimited, both industry leaders nationally in their respective fields of maintenance and construction.
Larry exemplified the values and virtues of golf: Civility. Personal discipline, honesty and integrity. Optimism and joy. The rewards of hard work and resilience. Respect for Mother Nature and her role in golf course husbandry. Larry delighted in the game, avidly playing golf at a high level for many years. He mastered all aspects of golf course operations and was unmatched in putting them into practice.
All those who truly know golf know what it means to “play the ball down.” You play it as you find it – honestly and fairly no matter what. It is also high praise to refer to someone in that way – as in “playing it down.” That was Larry Hanks, he played it down.
This world and the fine sport of golf has lost one of its best. God rest his soul.
