Larry Wayne Tilbury's Obituary
Larry Wayne Tilbury of Hawthorne, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on October 23, 2025 following a 4 month battle with kidney disease. He was 83.
Born on June 24, 1942, in Bendena, Kansas, Larry was the eldest child of Arthur Wayne Tilbury and Sara Foster Tilbury. A proud graduate and letterman of Midway High School (Class of 1960) and Kansas State University (Class of 1964), he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Larry began his professional journey as a computer programmer and associate engineer, contributing his analytical expertise to some of the nation’s leading aerospace and technology firms. His career included positions with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation (St. Louis, MO), Lockheed Corporation (Atlanta, GA), and Sperry Univac Division of Sperry Corporation (Blue Bell, PA). After relocating his family to Hawthorne, Larry balanced his responsibilities as a stay-at-home father — long before it became fashionable — with his work at Miller’s Supermarket (later Hitchcock’s Market). It was there that his personable demeanor, quiet leadership, and problem-solving skills left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike.
Larry’s career and civic life reflected his deep sense of responsibility and his love for structure, precision, and purpose. A longtime member of the Hawthorne Lions Club, the Kansas State University Alumni Association, and a respected community advocate of the Hawthorne City Council, Larry was known for his thoughtful deliberation and unwavering integrity.
His curiosity and intellect extended into every corner of his life. Larry was an avid collector of “interesting things” — magnets, keychains, ball caps, and bags of all sizes — each item carefully chosen to commemorate a place, milestone, or moment. His family fondly remembers his “analytical mind” as both a marvel and a mystery.
Larry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane Middleton Tilbury of Hawthorne and his 2 children, Karen Tilbury Fahrney (Joseph) of Portsmouth, RI and Kevin Tilbury (Debbie) of Franklin, TN. He was the proud grandfather of Anna Tilbury (Jacksonville, FL), Benjamin Tilbury (Murfreesboro, TN), Colby Fahrney (Annapolis, MD), and Peyton Fahrney (Providence, RI). He is also survived by his siblings Bob Tilbury (Jan) of Monument, CO, Sharon Williams (Earl) of Blue Springs, MO, and Kathy Wade (Ron) of St. Joseph, MO, along with countless nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Larry’s grandchildren were his greatest joy and his proudest legacy. He was their builder of Lego castles, their patient teacher and storyteller, their basketball teammate, and their long-distance Florida State University game commentator. A longtime member of the Hawthorne First United Methodist Church, Larry lived his faith quietly but completely.
Ever the methodical decision-maker, Larry’s sense of timing was impeccable. In 1962, he set his heart on getting a tattoo — and in 2023, after only 61 years of careful deliberation, he proudly had the Kansas state flower, the sunflower, permanently affixed to his shoulder. Those who knew him best agree he never did anything halfway.
Larry had an extraordinary ability to find common ground with anyone he met — whether in a grocery aisle in Florida or halfway around the world in China, Japan, Vietnam, or Hong Kong. Wherever he traveled, friendships seemed to follow. Larry will be remembered as the most deliberate, reliable, and quietly humorous man of his generation.
A funeral service will be held at the Hawthorne First United Methodist Church on SE 219th Terrace in Hawthorne, Florida on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Larry will be cremated with interment at Hawthorne Cemetery. The remainder of his ashes will be laid to rest with his parents in Bendena, Kansas at a date tbd in 2026.
Those who wish to make a contribution in lieu of flowers may make contributions to the Hawthorne First United Methodist Church or to Community Hospice of Alachua County
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