Joey Dean LaRue, 67, of Falun, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Smoky Hill Rehabilitation Center, in Salina.  He was born October 18, 1958, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Kenneth Dale and Helen (Anderson) LaRue.  He attended Marmaton Valley High School and graduated in 1976.  After high school he attended Allen County Community Jr. College, Iola, Kansas on a livestock judging scholarship where he met the love of his life.  He graduated in 1978 with an associate of arts degree in agriculture education.  Then he went to Kansas State University where he came home to marry his wife, Lorena “Rena” Croucher, on September 2, 1978, in Garnett, Kansas.  Joe worked as a senior nuclear operator at Wolf Creek Nuclear Plant for 32 years.  For several years he audited other nuclear plants around the United States.    He then worked at John Mansville in McPherson for five years.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  In his spare time, he was a farrier and did team roping.  Later in life he tutored high school students from Lebo High School to assist in completing their graduation requirements.  He will always be remembered as an amazing cook.  He loved children and sponsored showmanship camps where he showed the finishing touches towards each kid reaching top achievements.  In addition, he judged numerous county fair and livestock contests, as well as the KSU Little American Royal Sheep division.  He never asked for help from anyone but always lent a helping hand to others.

Left to mourn his passing is his wife Lorena LaRue, of the home; children, Jessica Loveland (Terry), of Wilson, and Justin LaRue (Heather), of Council Grove; mother, Helen LaRue; grandchildren, Austin Ortiz, Macie Ortiz, Emmalein LaRue, and Hannelore LaRue; siblings, Dale LaRue Jr., Jay LaRue, and Jamie LaRue; brother in law, Mike Croucher (Kathy); sisters in law, Rita Poovey (Bill), and Nancy Croucher.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dale; aunts and uncle, Betty and Bill Barlow, and Mary and Forest Tucker; father and mother, in law, Sam Croucher Jr., and Norma Croucher.

A celebration of life will be scheduled in June, please check back at www.heierscottmortuary.com, for more information.

Memorials may be made to Kansas 4-H Foundation or Diabetes Association, in care of Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina, Kansas 67401.