We are among those who mourn the passing of former legislator Larry Hibbard. The Sunflower State Journal reports:
Larry Hibbard, a former moderate Republican lawmaker from southeast Kansas, died on Sunday. He was 81.
Hibbard served in the House for three full terms from 2013 to 2019. The Toronto Republican stepped aside in 2019 for health reasons midway through his fourth term representing House District 13.
“I feel strongly that I am leaving the state in much better shape than what it was seven years ago,” Hibbard wrote when he stepped down from his House seat in 2019.
“We solved the legal problems related to school funding, we have a balanced budget with a good carryover, the state’s credit rating is improving, and we have started to address our problems in corrections and foster care services…
Former House Majority Leader Don Hineman remembered as Hibbard as a “dear friend” who he would meet in the WIBW radio studios to discuss on air what was happening at the statehouse…
During his tenure in the House, Hibbard supported Medicaid expansion and voted to reverse the income tax cuts signed into law by former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
He was unopposed in his last general election for his House seat in 2018.
He defeated Londa Tindle in the Republican primary with 55% of the vote.
He won his first election to the Kansas House in 2012 when he defeated Fred Rinne in the Republican primary with 61% of the vote. He was unopposed in the general election that year.
He came to the Legislature the same year as former moderate Republican state Rep. Melissa Rooker.
“He used to laugh about how surprised he was to find common ground with a lawmaker from Johnson County, but we often collaborated,” she said in a text message.
“He taught me about issues important to rural Kansas farmers and ranchers, and in return I helped him better understand the issues affecting our economic interests, including public education,” she said.
“We remained friends in the years since leaving the legislature and I will miss him.”
A lifelong resident of Greenwood County, Hibbard devoted his life to his family, his community, agriculture, and the many organizations and causes he cared about.
For most of his life, he and his wife, Cindy, operated their farm and livestock operation together.
During his time in the Kansas Legislature, he served on several committees, including the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation, and Rural Revitalization committees.
“Larry was respected for his ability to work with people who held different political perspectives. He took his responsibilities seriously and was willing to stand on his convictions, particularly if a proposal would be harmful for his local constituents,” his obituary said.
“At the same time, he maintained friendships with colleagues on both sides of the political aisle and every corner of the state. He had a quick wit and often punctuated his comments with humor and a well-timed quip.”
He and his wife, Cindy, were married Dec. 7, 1969, at the Rock Methodist Church.
“Together they built a life centered on family, faith, agriculture, community, and one another,” his obituary said.
Hibbard is survived by his wife, Cindy, his son, Clayton, and his daughter, Paula,
A celebration of life will be held at the Toronto High School Gymnasium on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10:30 a.m.
Family will host a visitation at the gym from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
And inurnment will be held at the Toronto Cemetery immediately following the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Woodson Lodge No. 121 or to the Greenwood County 4-H Foundation.
Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements.
Originally posted on facebook on October 19, 2026