Larry Kenneth Lawrence of Washington, Iowa, passed away on December 24, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics after a brief and unexpected illness. Born on May 5, 1947, in Pittsburg, Kansas, Larry spent most of his life in Ottumwa, Iowa, after his father accepted a teaching position at Ottumwa High School. He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1965.
Larry served his country as a member of the 9th Infantry in the Vietnam War. Larry was a proud Veteran. In 1972, he began his lifelong career at John Deere, where he worked as a welder and machinist until his retirement in 2002. However, retirement was just a word to Larry—he never truly stopped working. His “work hobbies” included being a mail carrier, driving a milk truck and working for the National Park Service, which took him on adventures to Alaska, Maine, and California.
Larry had a remarkable ability to take on challenges, especially when it came to cars. He loved working on them and had a particular fondness for rebuilding his beloved Corvettes. A lover of the outdoors, you could always find him in a deer stand. Larry found joy in hunting and fishing and shared this passion with his children and grandchildren. An avid coin collector, Larry traveled the country in pursuit of rare and coveted coins,
Above all, Larry never met a stranger. His life was always about connecting with people. He spent most days visiting the people he cared about and offering help wherever it was needed.He would do anything for anyone. He never missed a family reunion in Pittsburg, Kansas and often initiated them. Hearing someone talk about Larry was the biggest source of pride and joy for our family.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Howard Lawrence and Francine Patalacci Lawrence.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Pam Lawrence, of the home; siblings Dave Lawrence (Terri) Frank Lawrence (Jean), Julie Lawrence and Fran Vose, all of Ottumwa; his children, Kris Roberts (Ron), Greg Lawrence (Sandy), Jeff Lawrence (Jennifer), Candi Miller, Randal Ream (Clint), and Solomon Miller (Shelby); his cherished grandchildren, Jack, Sam, and Joe Roberts, Logan and Isabella Lawrence, Hannibal, Simon, Hannah, Chloe, and JJ Lawrence; Aubree, Saylor, Nayvie, Verona, Waverly, and Wolfgang Ream, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and his beloved dog Murphy.
Larry’s body has been cremated, and a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Bloomfield, IA. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s name to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to honor his love for the outdoors. Donations can be made online at www.iowadnr.gov.
