Lawrence L. Mahaffey, Jr.

Lawrence Larrett Mahaffey, Jr., Chief Master Sargent, age 86, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 3, 2022, surrounded by his family at Taylor House Hospice.

Larry was born September 20, 1935 in Des Moines, Iowa to Lawrence Sr. and Lucille (Womack) Mahaffey. He met his future wife and love of his life, Jane Eleanor Mercer, when he was five years old. They were married on September 6, 1958 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage before her death in 2020.

Larry graduated from East High School, Des Moines in 1955. He retired from the Iowa Air National Guard in 1990 after 37 years of service. After retiring he enjoyed working at Iowa Signal Inc. where he made many life-long friends. Larry was a member of the 132nd Silver Squadron and an active resident of Copper Shores Village. Larry loved camping, fishing, traveling, and his many friends. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Brad Pace; son, John Mahaffey; granddaughter and husband, Maggie and Tyler Nicholson and great-grandchildren, Nash and Nora Jane. He was also lovingly supported by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Joanne Mahaffey, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Ed Gogerty and their families, throughout his life.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Jane; his parents, Lawrence and Lucille Mahaffey; daughter, Sarah; and nephew, Steven Gogerty.

Services will be Friday, April 8, 2022 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by funeral service at 12 p.m. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Ronald McDonald House, Central Iowa, in loving memory of Larry.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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