Larry Lee Lovedy, 86, of Douds passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at the Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua at 11:00AM on Wednesday July 29, 2026 with Pastor Phil Campbell officiating. Military honors by John Hyson Reneker Post 494 American Legion will be at the funeral home on Wednesday. Cremation will follow the service with private burial of cremains in Maple Hill Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in Larry’s honor to Maple Hill Cemetery may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family C/O Cranston Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Larry’s story began on November 22, 1939, when he was born to Leonard Lee and Margaret Anderson Lovedy in Van Buren County, Iowa. Raised in the Birmingham area, Larry carried with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and service that shaped the course of his life. He graduated from Birmingham High School in 1957 and, not long after, answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. During his four years of service, life brought him to Madison, Wisconsin, where he met Carol Phillips. The two were married on February 6, 1960 in Birmingham.
In the early 1970’s, Larry continued his commitment to service by enlisting in the Army National Guard, where he served for many years. He also worked for Kip Manufacturing in Madison, WI before the family made their home in Douds in the late 1970’s. There, Larry began a long career as a detention officer at the prison in Mount Pleasant, retiring in 2002.
Retirement gave Larry more time for one of his favorite places: the golf course. He had a real passion for playing golf and could often be found at the Riverview County Club, enjoying several days a week on the course. He also liked to travel and enjoyed watching Star Wars. Larry valued fellowship and community, and he was an active member of John Hyson Reneker Post 494 American Legion in Douds and the Masonic Lodge, Celestial Lodge No. 413 A.F. & A.M. in Douds.
Those left to cherish his memory include his two sons, Ken Lovedy (Bonita) of Fairfield and Alan Lovedy of Ottumwa; a foster daughter, Shirley Haskins of Georgia; and many friends.
