Laurence Dean Fairchild, 80, of Ottumwa, passed away on April 17, 2025 in Ottumwa.
He was born May 19, 1944 in Ottumwa to James A. and Florence J. Rouze Fairchild. He married Joyce Elaine Johnston October 21, 1967. They were blessed with 57 years of marriage. To this union they welcome their daughter Andrea Sue and their son, Kent Dean.
A 1962 graduate of Eddyville High School, Larry served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1963 to 1971. He worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service for 31 years, retiring in 1998.
Larry was a self-taught “Jack of all trades.” He enjoyed sharing his knowledge, especially with his grandson, Connor and with anyone else willing to learn. He loved to garden with his granddaughter, Sydney, and tease her that she looks just like him. Larry enjoyed woodworking, perfecting his yard and flowers and operating his saw sharpening business.
Larry spent countless hours with his son, Kent at the baseball fields and along with many friends, helped to make Midwest Little League a beautiful ballpark. Oh, what fun that group had working together! Larry enjoyed his many friends and had a story to tell on each one. His greatest love was his grandchildren and his family.
Surviving is his wife, Joyce; daughter, Andrea Fairchild (Joe Pilcher) of Ottumwa; son, Kent Fairchild (Mirella Cruz) of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Sydney and Connor; sisters, Beverly (Charlie) Jones and Peggy Fairchild; along with his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Fairchild; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Dorothy Johnston.
Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Monday, April 21st at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.
Graveside services and burial will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 22nd at Shaul Cemetery with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Military honors will be conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society or Whatsoever You Do Inc.
