Larry Foster Crady
 December 5, 1944 ~ May 20, 2023

Larry Foster Crady, 78, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He was born December 5, 1944, in Modesto, California, the son of Teddy Dale “Ted” and Mary Ann (Peterson) Crady, Sr. He was a 1962 graduate of Lawrence High School where he served in the ROTC and was a Drum Major for the Lawrence High School Marching Band.

Larry attended the University of Kansas where he worked as a draftsman, while majoring in Engineering with a minor in Art. Larry married Wanda Lou Spurlock on January 5, 1964, in Lawrence, Kansas. He and Wanda later moved to Topeka where he was an insurance agent for Allstate Insurance Company.

He began his law enforcement career with the Topeka Police Department for two years and transitioned to the Shawnee County Sheriff Department on November 1, 1975. He was promoted to detective on October 1, 1977, and to sergeant on September 18, 1988. His career was divided between the Detective Division, the Uniformed Operations Division and community services. Crady was a department instructor for Time Line Analysis, Cult Crimes and Confidence Crimes. Crady was the Liaison Officer for the Cadet Program and the Reserve Program, each serving five years. He started the K-9 Unit for the Topeka Police and Shawnee County Sheriff’s Departments. He was a 24 year member of the Major Case Squad and graduated from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Agent Academy. He served as president of the Crime Research Association of Topeka and Kansas Crime Prevention Association and is a past board member of CrimeStoppers of Topeka. Crady was the officer in charge of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department’s Honor Guard. He was also in charge of the Detective Division. Crady retired as Lt. of the Detective Division on May 1, 2000. He would later work for the Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Turnpike Authority until retiring in 2020.

Crady was a member of the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge No. 90 A.F. & A. M. of North Topeka and Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies. He was also Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Crady was a Caller for the Wheatheart Square Dance Club at Croco Hall, Tecumseh, KS, where he became the President of the Board of Directors. He was also a Caller for the Ottawa Promenaders Square Dance Club, Ottawa, KS. He was Past-President of the Kansas Square Dance Callers Association and Northeast Square Dance Callers. In 1986, he and Wanda started the Crady Country Capers dance weekend in Rockaway Beach and later in Warsaw, Missouri. He taught square dancing to many dancers of all ages for over 50 years. He was recognized as the Oldest Caller in Kansas and the four state area.

He was an active volunteer for the Capper Foundation, creating a Boy Scout Troup representing and assisting many boys accomplish what others said wasn’t possible.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda of almost 60 years; his daughter, Karrie Lynn (Galen) Gibson of Auburn, KS; his son, Kevin Foster Crady of Topeka; three grandchildren, Garrett Michael (Josette) Gibson, McKenna Lynn Crady and Drew Jeffrey Crady; his great-granddaughter, Chevie Rose Gibson; three step-great-grandchildren; and a step-great-great-grandson; his sister, Pam Ann McMillen of Topeka; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Teddy Dale Crady, Jr.

Larry loved spending time with his family, traveling, camping and fishing. He enjoyed Square Dancing, his work, playing musical instruments, Snickers Candy Bars, ice cream, snickerdoodle cookies and blackberry cobbler. He was also an avid KU Basketball and Kansas City Chiefs fan. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will always be remembered for his amazing sense of humor and selflessness.

Honoring his request, cremation is planned. A visitation of family and friends will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Parker-Price Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the Croco Square, 6115 SE US Highway 40, Tecumseh, KS. Internment will follow at Vinland Cemetery, Vinland, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wanda Crady to be designated later and sent in care of Kaw Valley Bank,1110 N. Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66608.