Larry Allan Watson was born on December 26, 1938, on a farm northwest of Persia, Iowa, to Milton A. Watson and Velma (Harmsen) Watson. He grew up alongside his younger sister Lynette – riding horses, playing baseball, and spending time with his grandfather.
Raised on the land he would spend his life caring for, Larry learned early the values of hard work, honesty, and community. He attended Spring Creek Country School before graduating from Persia Public in 1957.
On July 26, 1959, he married Carol Simonin. Together, they purchased and farmed his grandparents’ land, which would later be officially designated as a ‘Century Farm.’ A lifelong farmer and businessman, Larry raised cattle and hogs, tended the crops, and stayed up to date on the farm markets. He always kept a careful eye on every detail. He lived by farmers’ hours – measured by sun-up, supper, and what needed to be done.
Above all else, Larry was a devoted family man. He was a proud “girl dad” to his four daughters. Raising girls meant everything from shoe shopping, prom dress debates, and patiently waiting his turn for the one and only bathroom. Larry took it all in stride.
Nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren. He was a loving grandfather to his nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Family meals around the kitchen table were among his most treasured moments, often ending with his signature question: “What’s for dessert?” There was never a crumb left behind or a pan not tidied up. He rarely missed a ballgame, 4-H event, cattle show, graduation, birthday, or milestone in between.
Larry’s generosity and gracious spirit reached far beyond his own family. He truly did not know a stranger, and anyone who met him quickly felt his warmth. His door was always open, whether for a neighbor, a friend, or someone who simply needed a seat at a table. Over the years, many came to know him as a dad or a grandpa, even if they weren’t related by blood.
His faith was a steady foundation throughout his life. Larry was a member of the Persia United Methodist Church, Abundant Life Church and Fresh Encounter Fellowship, and he credited God’s providence for his many blessings.
He was proud to have served on the Tri-Center School Board for 12 years, participated in the National Farmers Organization, was a board member of the Harrison Mutual Insurance Association, and a member of the Hawkeye CB Club, where he was known by his call letters KGI-1322, handle “Sharecropper.”
Larry and Carol lived on their beloved farm for 60 years before moving to their home north of Harlan. Even then, Larry never truly stepped away from the rhythms of farm life. His herd simply changed from cattle to cats. It was often joked that he forgot he wasn’t fattening cattle anymore, going through a 40-pound bag of cat food weekly. A regular at The Grounds coffee shop in Harlan, where he had coffee with friends and participated in Bible studies and meaningful conversation, he embraced life fully.
He followed and fulfilled his personal philosophy to ‘leave the land better than he found it,’ however, without realizing it, his truest legacy was leaving people better than he found them.
Larry passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the age of 87.
“Have a Blessed Day” – Larry Watson
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Carol Watson of Harlan, IA; children, Jennifer (Bernie) Watson-Peters of Persia, IA, Suzanne (Jay) Handbury of Neola, IA, Rebecca (Mark) Eldridge of Terre Haute, IN, Barbara (Shawn) Carter of Harlan, IA; 9 grandchildren, Alivia (Davis) Jackson, Gavin (Nicole) Peters, James Handbury, Abigail Peters (Cameron Creek), McKenzie Carter (Adam Kajs), Sydney (Trey) Whitfield, Perri Carter, Jenna Handbury and Avery Carter; 4 great- grandchildren (one on the way); sister, Lynette (Dr. Marvin) Dvorak of Omaha, NE; sister-in-law, Lois Shultheis of Wayne, NE and many nieces and nephews. He also had a special place in his heart for Cody, Sara and Caden Huebert. The family extends a special thank you to Living Well Home Care and Myrtue Home Health.
