Larry Poisner Obituary (1930 - 2023)

Larry Poisner, ninety-two years old, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2023. Larry was born on December 29, 1930, in Kansas City, MO. He was a man of wide-spread accomplishments and interests. Larry's intellectual curiosity led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Missouri at Columbia. He then served as a commissioned officer in the Air Force, embarking also on graduate studies in Chemical Engineering at the University of Colorado before completing them at the University of Kansas. Afterward, he entered the family business at General Testing Laboratories, Inc. (GTL), founded by his father, Ben Poisner. Larry spent 42 years at GTL, later serving as President and CEO. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Larry's had a profound dedication to various professional and service organizations. He served as President or Chairman of several engineering societies, including those for Professional Engineers, Civil Engineers, and Marketing Professionals. Larry was also very committed to the Jewish community, where he held pivotal roles such as President or Chair of the Eddie Jacobson Lodge of B’nai B’rith, Missouri State Association of B’nai B’rith Lodges, B’nai B’rith District #2, and Fund-Raising Chair for B’nai B’rith International. His unwavering support also encompassed the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, as well as his beloved fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi, where he nurtured lifelong bonds through heartfelt newsletters. Compassion and community were at the core of Larry's being. He exemplified this through his involvement on the Sertoma Club Board, Harvesters Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, and numerous volunteer activities via B’nai Jehudah. Larry's commitment to learning manifested in teaching Quality Control of Concrete classes at two Missouri State universities, and when he retired, assisting area high school classroom teachers with college chemistry and mathematics. Music resonated deeply within Larry's soul. For more than 70 years, he lent his bass voice to Temple B’nai Jehudah, and various churches and interfaith choirs. His love for singing extended to the North American Jewish Choral Festival and he harmonized with the Barbershop Harmony Society and the illustrious VLQ (very large quartet), Homeward Bound. A founding member of Shireinu, the Jewish Community Chorale of Greater Kansas City, Larry tirelessly contributed to the cultural tapestry of his community. In a testament to his vibrant spirit, having played the piano since high school, he added more instruments to his repertoire. In his 70s, Larry embraced the trombone and euphonium when he and his wife joined the New Horizon's Band. Larry pursued a lifelong goal of cultivating meaningful relationships and cherishing his connections with others. He succeeded in this endeavor, as evidenced by the love and admiration he received from his family and friends throughout his remarkable life. He is preceded by his wife, Rita Roth Poisner. Larry leaves behind his brother Alan Poisner and sister-in-law Sharon Poisner; his children, Sandra Pasik and husband Ronald, Steven Poisner, Charles Poisner, Andrea Poisner-Corchine and husband Robert Corchine, and step-daughter Beth Levant and son-in-law Gregory Williams; his grandchildren: Lissa Leibson, Maxwell Poisner and wife Baylie, Sarah Poisner, Lauren Poisner, and Katherine Poisner; his step-grandchildren: Joshua Corchine and wife Samantha, and Rachael Corchine, and step-great-grandchildren, Oliver Corchine and Quinn Corchine. The family would like to thank the Always There Health Care caregivers in his final days: Abigail Wilson, Oralia Sanchez, Tiffany Brown, Alyssa Street, Jahronda Jackson, and Chelsea Porter. Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Village Shalom’s Financial Assistance Program, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, Inc., or other organization of your choice that would honor his memory.