Lawrence Joseph "Larry" Kallus

Lawrence Joseph “Larry” Kallus, of Hallettsville, Texas, passed away on July 20, 2026, at the age of 70. He was born in Hallettsville, Texas, to Henry & Sylvia Kallus on September 11, 1955. They instilled in him a love of God, family, hard work, and the land. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hallettsville from kindergarten through graduation. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Houston–Victoria before returning home to the place he loved most.

Farming wasn’t just Larry’s occupation—it was his calling. He devoted his life to the land, raising cattle and tending pecan orchards with pride and dedication. As a young man, he worked side by side with his father planting peach trees between the rows of young pecan trees. The peaches provided income while they patiently waited for the pecan trees to mature, a lesson in faith, perseverance, and stewardship that he carried throughout his life. His work ethic was unmatched, and he found great joy in a hard day’s work outdoors.

Music was another of Larry’s greatest passions. He was a gifted bass guitarist with a beautiful tenor voice and was a longtime member of the local country and western band, Gold Dust, entertaining at weddings, dances, and community celebrations throughout the area. His brother Henry played lead guitar/steel guitar and sang alongside him, and together with their fellow band members they created countless memories through music. In later years, his love for music continued as he performed with the family band alongside Henry, his nephew Shaun and his brother-in-law George. Those gatherings brought him tremendous happiness.

In 2001, Larry met the love of his life, Anita Rene’ Kallus. They were soon married and shared a love that grew stronger with each passing year. He lovingly embraced Rene’ daughters, Kristen Nicole Labrecque and Rachel Renee’ Burk as his own, and together they became a close and loving family.

Larry’s greatest joy came in 2006, as he rejoiced at the birth of his beloved granddaughter Lillian Alyse Weisinger, who quickly became the apple of his eye. Summers, vacations and countless everyday moments were made special because they were spent together. Just months before his passing, his heart grew even fuller with the arrival of his first grandson Bode James Burk. Although Bode was only six months old, Larry delighted in touching his tiny feet just to watch him smile. Before illness took away his ability to speak, he lovingly told Bode that one day he was going to teach him how to drive a tractor—a promise that reflects the dreams and love he carried for his grandson.

Larry loved country music and cherished his Czech heritage, enjoying traditional Czech music that reminded him of his family’s roots. He was known as a sharp dresser, rarely seen without his starched blue jeans, pressed western shirt, boots, and warm smile.

Those who knew Larry will remember the little things that made him uniquely himself—his easy smile, his kindness, and the familiar tradition of pointing his finger and waving whenever he and his sister Doris passed each other on the road. It was a simple gesture that became a cherished symbol of their love for one another.

Larry had a remarkable gift for making those he loved feel safe, heard, and valued. He and Renee shared countless deep conversations about life, dreams, fears, and faith. There was nothing they couldn’t discuss together, and through every season of life, Larry’s steadfast love gave his family strength.

Following a devastating stroke in December 2021, Larry faced one hardship after another over the next four years. Despite immense pain, countless medical challenges, and overwhelming obstacles, he fought with extraordinary courage, determination and grace. He never gave up. His strength and perseverance inspired everyone who witnessed his journey.

Larry leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, music, laughter and unconditional love that will continue through the family he treasured so deeply.

Larry is survived by: his beloved wife Anita Rene’ Kallus; his daughters, Rachel Renee’ Burk and Kristen Nicole Labrecque & husband Denis; his cherished granddaughter Lillian Alyse Weisinger; his precious grandson Bode James Burk; his sisters, Bernadette & husband George Kramer, Josephine & husband Mike Klotz, Doris Etzler, Janice & husband Mike Grahman and Anita & husband Stanley Shimek; his brother Henry Kallus along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members and countless friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents.

There are some people whose lives are measured not by the number of years they lived, but by the lives they touched. Larry was one of those people. He leaves behind fields he lovingly tended, songs that still echo in the hearts of those who heard him play, and a family whose lives will forever be richer because he loved them so well. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Funeral Mass Service: 11 am, Friday, July 24, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville (400 East Fifth Street) with Visitation at 10 am and Rosary at 10:30 am. Visitation: 5 pm Thursday at Kubena Funeral Home (507 South Main Street), with Celebration of Life at 6 pm. Officiant: Rev. Christopher Bediako. Memorials: Charity of Your Choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.