Obituary: John Lawrence Schott

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10/19/1953 – 2/15/2026
Lawrence

My amazing husband, John Lawrence Schott, passed from this life on Sunday February 15, 2026. His recent healthcare experiences included great happiness (new kidney!) and many challenges. An unanticipated cancer diagnosis led to a sudden decline and his unexpected death.

Larry was born on October 19, 1953 in Louisville KY. Over the next 72 years, he lived in seven cities. He met and married Connie Schott during their college years in New York City. Along the way, he lived in Lebanon PA, Jacksonville FL, Gainesville FL, and West Plains MO. In 2023, he settled in Lawrence KS.

He was an involved and caring father, ensuring that our sons Harrison and Henry grew into intelligent, kind, committed, and compassionate young men. They will carry his legacy into the future.

He shared his love of the arts, especially music, with everyone. At each step of his life, he enjoyed playing music with friends and family. The Grateful Dads, the Cigar Band, and his extensive knowledge of music of all types provided opportunities for him to share, to teach, and to enrich every life with music.

His wit, intelligence, and creative spirit found outlets in everyday interactions. He contributed frequently to the Style Invitational, which earned him the coveted title of Loser, and got him published in the Washington Post.

Larry’s superpower was building lasting friendships in each of the many places we lived during our 50 years together. He truly valued every friend, and made a point of keeping in touch to provide kindness and support at key moments.

Larry was committed to life, justice, and love. May we each carry those same commitments forward in our own lives.

He is survived by his wife Connie Schott, sons Harrison and Henry, sisters Joyce and Joan, brothers Jim, Jeff, and Jerry, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M. Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence. In the meantime, we invite friends and family to share memories, stories and photos on the Rumsey-Yost webpage at rumsey-yost.com.


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