Larry Browning Obituary

Larry Charles Browning October 3, 1947 – July 18, 2025

Larry Charles Browning was born on October 3, 1947, in Imperial, Nebraska, to Ralph and Dollie (Mullanix) Browning. He grew up in Imperial and graduated from Chase County High School with the Class of 1965.

Larry met the love of his life, Sandra Kay (Powell), in the 7th grade. What began as a childhood friendship blossomed into a lifelong love. Larry and Sandy were married for 50 years, celebrating their golden anniversary on December 22, 2017. Sadly, Sandy passed away on March 31, 2018.

On July 2, 1974, they welcomed their son, Robi—a joyful addition to their close-knit family. The three lived in Lincoln for several years before returning to Imperial in May 1978 to raise their son and settle back into their hometown.

In 1967, shortly after graduation, Larry was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict. He served as a combat medic, courageously flying in and out of combat zones to treat wounded soldiers. During one mission, his helicopter was shot down. Only Larry and one other soldier survived. He spent months recovering in an Army hospital and was honorably discharged in 1970.

After returning home, Larry worked for a time at Jack & Jill grocery store under the management of his brother-in-law, Ansel Hill. He later began a long and respected career in law enforcement with the Imperial Police Department. Over the years, Larry rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police—a position he proudly held until his retirement in 2012. One of his proudest moments was hiring his son, Robi, who continues to serve as a Deputy Sheriff with the Chase County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon retirement, Larry and Sandy moved to a small farmstead south of Grainton, Nebraska. For the next six years, they enjoyed the peace and simplicity of rural life, lovingly tending to their chickens and collecting eggs twice a day.

Following Sandy’s passing, Larry remained on the farm until declining health required a return to Imperial in February 2024. He moved into the Imperial Manor in July 2024 and passed away peacefully there on July 18, 2025.

Larry found great joy in the simple things. He loved pheasant hunting with his father and brothers-in-law, golfing, searching for arrowheads, and reading—his personal library held over 400 books. His love for music led him to play in the band Spring Creek Country with his close friend Dick Westfall. Larry also gave back to his community by volunteering with Imperial EMS and the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Larry is survived by his son, Robi, and daughter-in-law, Emily; grandchildren: Sydney Trammell, Adrienne Hambrick, Jim Sims, McKenzie Vogt, Kaden Vogt, Gunner Browning, Kyson Vogt, Delanie Vogt, and Henlie Vogt. He is also survived by his siblings: Janet Hazen, Joyce Hill, Connie (Ron) Dart, Jeanne Sievers; and brother-in-law Jim Davis, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends too numerous to name.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy Browning; parents, Ralph and Dollie Browning; sister, Linda Davis; and brothers-in-law Mack Hazen, Ansel Hill, and Leon Sievers.

Larry will be remembered for his deep love of family, his service to his country and community, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. His legacy lives on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A public Visitation will be held Wednesday July 23, 2025 from 4:00-6:00PM at Liewer Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday July 24, 2025 at 11:00AM at the Imperial Berean Church in Imperial, NE with Pastor Matt Maxwell and Pastor Randy Hayes officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to his son Rob Browning to be designated at a later date.