Larry Glandon

Larry Gene Glandon

Larry Glandon, age 90, of Iowa City and formerly of State Center, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Larry lived a life defined by hard work, adventure, laughter, and devotion to those around him. Born on August 21, 1935, in Sigourney, Iowa, to Donald and Jenny (Plank) Glandon, he grew up alongside seven siblings, learning early the value of family, perseverance, and a good sense of humor.

On November 17, 1957, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Coghlan, beginning a partnership that would span nearly 69 years and countless adventures. Together they built a home, raised four children, and created a lifetime of memories that continue to bring smiles to those who shared them.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army, spending time overseas in Korea before returning home to begin his career in telecommunications. Over 50 years as a telephone switchman, he witnessed remarkable technological changes, adapting with the times while remaining grounded in the values that never changed: honesty, dedication, and taking pride in a job well done.

But if you asked Larry what mattered most, it wasn’t work. It was people.

He loved a good joke, and if there was laughter in the room, Larry was often at the center of it. He enjoyed three things especially: a day on the golf course, time outdoors, and being surrounded by family. Whether he was hunting, tending his immaculate lawn and garden, fishing in Canada, canoeing down the Iowa River, or teaching the next generation how to enjoy life on the water, Larry found happiness in simple pleasures and shared them generously.

Summers were filled with camping trips, boating adventures, water skiing, tubing, and family gatherings at the lake. Winters often found him and Carolyn in Arizona, where they spent decades making memories with family and friends. No matter where he traveled—from Washington, D.C., to California, Canada, or Arizona—Larry’s favorite destination was always wherever his family happened to be.

He was a proud member of the State Center Lions Club and Lincoln Valley Golf Course, where friendships were formed, stories were shared, and plenty of good-natured teasing took place.

Larry leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and family. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his children, Gregory (Sue) Glandon of Buckeye, AZ, Alesia (John Kelly) Glandon of Alameda, CA, Larry (Jodie Sieren) Glandon of Scottsdale, AZ and Terri (Jeff) Petty of Knoxville, IA; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his brother and sister, Arduith Glandon and Carol Shifflett; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and golfing buddies who will miss his smile, his stories, and his unmistakable sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Jenny; his siblings Daryl, Norman, Keith, Roger, and Beverly; and one great-grandchild.

Larry’s life reminds us that the best days are often the simplest: sharing a laugh, spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors, and maybe squeezing in one more round of golf. His family takes comfort knowing that somewhere, Larry has already found the perfect fairway, landed the big fish, and is probably telling a joke that has everyone smiling.

Please join us as we celebrate the life of Larry on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation beginning one hour prior to the service and after for a light meal where stories, memories, and laughter will be shared in honor of a man who brought so much joy to those around him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Larry’s name may be directed to Iowa City Hospice (www.iowacityhospice.org), whose compassionate care meant so much to Larry and his family.

For additional information or to leave a condolence, please visit mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.