Larry Willis

Larry Ray Willis was born on September 14, 1951 to Homer and Faye Willis in Des Moines. Larry peacefully passed away on January 1, 2025, surrounded by his family, after an extended illness from Lewy Body Dementia.

Larry graduated from Iowa State University in Chemistry and pursued graduate studies in Geology which included summer geology camps in Wyoming. During his career, Larry served as Director of Quality Control & Regulatory Affairs for several pharmaceutical companies.

Larry was a compassionate and caring spirit, a true renaissance man with many interests and hobbies, including painting, wood-carving, coin collecting, hiking and riding his Jeep in the mountains, strength training, and music. He was a man of faith and science with diverse reading interests from St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis of Assisi to math, new and historical scientific discoveries, and puzzles.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Barbara, son Casey (Karen), grandchildren, Grace and Lily; brother-in-law Dick Hansell and a niece Mindy Wright (Dan and their family), and extended family and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and sister Jan. Larry loved being with Grace and Lily as they grew up, creating many memorable learning and fun experiences with them.

Larry and Barbara enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and internationally. His passion for nature and wildlife included frequent visits to the mountains and other beautiful, natural destinations. Larry supported many local and national non-profit organizations. Larry helped people he encountered with housing, food, and health needs.

We were blessed by Larry’s humility and his supportive presence in our lives. His courage, strength, and perseverance were testament to his belief to love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Please share in this sacred moment with our family in prayer and peace for Larry.

The family will greet friends Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Larry will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to his family in creating a fund to support memory care, health professionals and caregivers.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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