MADISON - Larry Milton “Papo” Wright, age 77, of Madison, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026. He was born on August 1, 1948, in Independence, Mo., the son of Milton and Olga (Krawiec) Wright.

Larry graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1966. In 1971, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an Electronic Technician (ETSN) aboard the USS Truxtun (DLGN35) during the Vietnam War. On February 24, 1973, he married Jan Bauer in Raytown, Mo.-a partnership that became the center of his life.

After his military service, Larry earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from UMKC and later completed a paralegal certificate. He began his working life as a grocery clerk, a role he held for 18 years. His career path then took a creative turn as a professional wedding photographer before he transitioned into electronics, spending 12 years as a technician at McGrawHill. Larry went on to work as a paralegal for several law firms until his retirement. Never one to sit still, he later joined Bass Pro Shops in the fishing department, where he shared his passion for the outdoors by teaching countless lessons-including the art of tying flies.

Larry lived less than a mile from Arrowhead Stadium. He was a diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan and also loved recording the sounds of Kansas City jazz bands. To Larry, Kansas City wasn’t just home-it was part of his heart and soul. He was a BBQ enthusiast, grill master and an avid fly fisherman. Photography was one of his great passions and remained with him throughout his life. With camera in hand, he documented countless family moments, faithfully preserving memories for others. His thousands of photographs are a gift to his family, who will always be thankful for the care and love he poured into capturing their lives. He delighted in collecting music, books, underground comics, toys and antiques, each item carefully chosen and appreciated for its character and history. He knew no stranger, striking up conversations wherever he went, a gift that introduced him to countless people-including many famous faces.

Larry’s family was most important to him. He adored his daughter and son-in-law, and he cherished his grandchildren. He treasured Wisconsin road trips with Jan, and they were always stopping along the way to take photos and explore. He cherished trips to Bennett Springs, where fly fishing became a shared passion and a quiet joy he took pleasure in with his wife. One of Larry’s most meaningful journeys was traveling with his mother to Ukraine to meet family and see her homeland.

Larry is survived by his wife, Jan; daughter, Sarah Anne (Ken) Schneider; five grandchildren, Sam Schneider, Bennett (Danelia Alvarez) Schneider, Malcolm (Kayla Ramirez) Schneider, Dakota (Sam Seston) Downing and Kaiden Schneider; great-grandson, Miles Downing; brothers-in-law, Chris (Glenda Cantrell) Bauer and their son, Jeff (Alison) Bauer and their children, Charlotte, Darla and Beck and Christa (Colby) Scorse; Doug (Lorie) Bauer and their son and daughter, Derek (Anni) Bauer their children, Miles and Beau; and Shannon Bauer; and Mark "Sparky" Bauer and his son, Brad Bauer; and many cousins and friends, including best friends, Gary Frost and Stan Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Olga.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 12 noon on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Burial will take place at Town of Dunn Burying Ground with a luncheon to follow at the funeral home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In keeping with Larry’s spirit, the family invites attendees to wear colorful, New Orleans-style attire to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your local food pantry. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Larry Milton Wright

August 01, 1948 - January 05, 2026

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