Larry Edward Muff

Mr. Larry E. Muff went to be with his Lord and Savior, and wife Cecilia (Cel) on August 29, 2022 at the age of 83. Larry was born on June 24, 1939 in Crete, Nebraska to Donald and Elizabeth Muff. He attended Maur Hill Prep School in Atchison, Kansas throughout high school. After graduation, he transferred to Benedictine College to start on the path toward an outstanding career as an athlete, and future educator/business leader.

At Benedictine, he was an NAIA All-American football player and part of a class that went 31-5 during his college career. Larry was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings after his junior year, and the Detroit Lions his senior year, but chose to play for the Dallas Texans (now the Kansas City Chiefs) until an injury cut short his career.

In June of 1962, he married the love of his life, Cecilia Maria Palmer, and they both began their careers as educators in Beatrice, Nebraska. They moved to Salina, Kansas when an opportunity to reunite with a former teammate took him to Salina Sacred Heart High School. While at Sacred Heart ,Larry taught Economics and Business, and served as head basketball coach and assistant football coach for six years, winning two state football championships.

In 1969, Larry accepted a job as Athletic Director and Dean of Student Services at Marymount College. He transformed Marymount from an all-girls school to a co-ed institution with athletic programs. One of the top priorities was starting the men’s basketball program, which became a national powerhouse in NAIA basketball. In 1976, he left Marymount to enter the private business sector as Business Manager at Salina Family Physicians, which became ComCare, and is one of the largest family practice clinics in the state.

Larry led a very active life which included following the family activities of his children and grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and member of the Salina Country Club and Elks Country Club, and many other community organizations. One of the most impactful influences on the lives of his children and grandchildren was his Catholic faith. He lived his life as a servant leader and always emphasized the importance of goal setting and being the best you can be. He taught about loyalty and putting the needs of others ahead of your own. Larry retired in 2012 and moved to Denton, Texas to spend time with his wife and grandchildren in the area.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Elizabeth (Kucera), his wife Cecelia, and brother Leon Muff and brother-in-law Jack Heckman. Survivors include: Brother Donald (Eileen) Muff of Ames, IA; sisters Betty Heckman of Crete, NE; and Barbara Muff of Lakewood, CO; sister-in-law, Robyn Muff of Wadsworth, IL; Son Kevin (Kim) of Concordia, KS; Sam (Cassandra) of Keller, TX; grandchildren Alexandra (Jake Doller) of Shawnee, Kansas; Skyler (Ozzy McCaughan) of Lawrenceville, GA; Taylor Muff of Spokane, WA; Kenna Muff, Zachary Muff, and Callie Muff of Keller, Texas and great grandchildren Jordy, Mason and Drew Doller.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Salina, Kansas.

Memorial gifts may be offered to the Salvation Army or Benedictine College .