Larry D. Wilson Sr.
Larry D. Wilson Sr.
Larry D. Wilson Sr.
December 9, 1944 – May 26, 2021
Batavia, Iowa | Age 76
Larry D. Wilson Sr., 76, of Batavia, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. He was born December 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California, the son of Clara Agnes Barnhart.
Larry attended school in Nebraska.
As a young man he was united in marriage to Dixie O’Brien in Nebraska. To this union two children were born, Larry, Jr, and Denise. After 32 years of marriage Larry and Dixie divorced.
Larry started working as an auto mechanic and later learned to be a tool and dye maker. Most of his working life he was a self-employed contractor and handyman. He would take on any project from roofing, plumbing, electrical and later did some blacksmithing.
On June 11, 1994, he was united in marriage to Donna Cavin at Ottumwa. The two of them enjoyed many years together until her passing on March 14, 2019.
Larry was a dedicated caregiver to his wife Donna until her passing. He continued to be a caregiver to his mother.
Larry loved to “treasure hunt” he looked forward to visiting thrift shops and going to auctions and sales to look for bargains. He always had a vision of a future project for the goods he found on his travels. Larry had a soft spot in his heart for children. He absolutely loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His love for kids did not stop there, he delighted in having kids around to help him with projects. He looked forward to family gatherings where he would let the kids play all the musical instruments he had accumulated. Larry was close with his neighbors Joellen and Deal Keasling and their family. Larry thought of them as his adopted family, and he cherished the special relationship he had with their daughter Brooklyn.
He was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Fairfield where he enjoyed going and playing pool.
His family includes his daughter, Denise Wilson of Pella; six grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; his mother, Clara Agnes Swihart of Batavia; two sisters, Joyce (& Bob) Perkins of Batavia and Teena Roush of Newton; a brother, Bill Shields of Fairfield; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and the Keasling family of Batavia.
In addition to his wife, Donna; Larry was preceded in death by his son, Larry D. Wilson, Jr.; and four siblings: Matthew Christopher, Cheryl Smith, Rita Mantz, and Tony Shields.
As was Larry’s wish his body has been cremated and no services are planned. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Larry D. Wilson Sr. please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
