David "Larry" Haverkamp

David Lawrence “Larry” Haverkamp, 88, of Berryton, Kansas, passed away on August 16, 2026. Larry was born April 23, 1938, in Kelly, Kansas, to Lawrence and Matilda Holthaus Haverkamp. He grew up farming in Nemaha County and attended school in Kelly, where he was taught by the nuns. He graduated from Kelly High School in 1956 as one of just 11 students in his graduating class. He later attended Kansas State University. Those small-town roots remained an important part of Larry throughout his life. Although life eventually took him elsewhere, he never lost his love of farming or his connection to the place where he was raised. He always enjoyed making trips back to Nemaha County, visiting familiar places and staying connected to his roots. Larry married the love of his life, Lucille Mahoney Haverkamp, and together they shared 64 years of marriage. More than anything, Larry was a family man. He loved Lucille dearly and was immensely proud of their boys, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family always came first. Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Lucille; his children, Kent (Paula) Haverkamp of Berryton, Kansas, Rodney (Teri) Haverkamp of Harvest, Alabama, Darren (Joie) Haverkamp of Berryton, Kansas, and Dean (Jennifer) Haverkamp of Berryton, Kansas; and his sister, Connie (Steve) Koelzer. He was a proud grandfather to Zachary Haverkamp (Mckaela), Nathan (Kelsie) Haverkamp, Andrew (Lauren) Haverkamp, Noah (Carly) Haverkamp, Amanda Kenney, Hannah (Jerr) McCutchen, Brady (Lulu) Haverkamp, Adam Haverkamp (Ashley), Tucker (Valeria) Haverkamp, Luke (Carolyn) Haverkamp, Evan (Lauren) Haverkamp, Ivy (Kyle) Haverkamp, Toby (Annie) Haverkamp, Jobe Haverkamp, Jude Haverkamp, and Kellan Haverkamp; and a beloved great-grandfather to Olivia, Archer, Lucca, Brooks, Lennyn, Lydia, Walter, Roman, and Joseph, born just 14 hours before Larry’s passing. Larry was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Haverkamp; his grandchild, Lynn; and his siblings, Armella Freeman, Cletus Haverkamp, Rosalyn Hermesch, and Lynn Haverkamp. Larry served in the National Guard and later worked for the Santa Fe Railway. He was also a barber for 63 years, a career that became much more than a profession to him. Even after retirement, Larry continued providing haircuts, staying connected to a craft—and to the people—that he enjoyed for so many years. Behind the barber chair, Larry shared much more than haircuts. Over the years, he shared his knowledge, wisdom, stories, and guidance with generations of Topeka citizens, young and old. Barbering was perfectly suited to his social and outgoing personality. He genuinely enjoyed people, and the conversations and friendships formed in his chair were an important part of his life. If you sat in Larry’s barber chair, you were bound to hear about his kids and grandkids. He was incredibly proud of his family and was always happy to share what they were doing and how they were doing. For Larry, the barber shop wasn’t simply a place to work; it was a place for conversation, friendship, stories, advice, and connection. Larry was always happy to lend a helping hand, no matter who needed it or what needed to be done. He was generous with his time and talents and never hesitated to step in when someone could use his help. He didn’t do it for recognition or praise—it was simply the kind of man he was. Larry was a longtime member of St. Matthew Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. His faith, family, and community remained important to him throughout his life. Some of Larry’s happiest moments were spent supporting the people he loved. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and music programs and took tremendous pride in watching them grow and pursue their interests. Whether sitting in the stands or in an auditorium, being there for his family was what mattered most to him. He was also a devoted Kansas State sports fan and enjoyed cheering on the Wildcats. Travel was another special part of Larry’s life, particularly because it gave him more opportunities to be with family. He and Lucille traveled throughout the country to visit family, and Larry treasured the trips to Europe that he was able to experience with those he loved. For him, the people he shared those journeys with were every bit as important as the places they visited. And no matter how far he traveled, Larry always enjoyed going back to Nemaha County. It was where he grew up, where he learned the value of hard work through farming, and a place that remained close to his heart throughout his 88 years. Above all else, Larry’s life was centered on family. For 64 years, he and Lucille built a life together filled with faith, hard work, family gatherings, friendships, travels, ball games, music programs, and countless ordinary moments that became treasured memories. Larry leaves behind a family who knew without question how much he loved them. His friendly and social nature, generous spirit, willingness to help others, devotion to Lucille, and tremendous pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be deeply missed. His legacy will live on through the family he loved so dearly, the friendships he made along the way, and the many lives made a little better because Larry was part of them. Visitation will be Thursday, August 20, from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

David "Larry" Haverkamp

April 23, 1938 - August 16, 2026