Lawrence "Larry" Perdue

Lawrence “Larry” E. Perdue, 63, of Marshalltown, unexpectedly passed away Monday, December 14, 2020 at UnityPoint Health in Marshalltown.   Funeral services for Larry will take place on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. at Fellowship Baptist Church in Marshalltown. A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 17 at 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Fellowship Baptist Church. All attendees are required to wear masks and practice social distancing. For those unable to attend, Larry’s service will be available to view on the Mitchell Family Funeral Home Facebook page. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Larry and his family. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.  Larry was born to Pauline M. Raines and Lewis Dewey Perdue on May 8, 1957. He was born at home in Chloric, West Virginia, delivered by his grandmother. As a child, his family relocated to Iowa. He was united in marriage to Jeanette Clark in Grundy Center, Iowa on February 27, 1987. He lived in various towns, including a brief time in California and Kentucky, before settling in Marshalltown where he raised his family.  Larry proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, leaving there to eventually join the Army Reserve National Guard.  There he completed the remainder of his service to his country, giving 22 years. Larry had a love of God, country and his precious family. He was honored to be there as they grew and reached their milestones. His grandchildren were the joy of his life. He enjoyed many get-togethers and birthday parties, watching them grow. He became ordained to marry his daughter, Christina and later officiated a few funerals, as well as marrying his grandson, Korben and even his nephew, Dewey and Amber. Little did we know this would be his last one.  Larry had various jobs over the years, with over 18 years working at JBS – Swift, 5 years at PCA and eventually retiring from TPI. Then it was time for the real work to begin: being “Super Grandpa.” He became a babysitter, a taxi service, a counselor. He taught his family how to drive and how to do the right thing, and he instilled a sense of pride and honor in them. He taught them how to respect others and to help everyone.   Larry was a helper to all supporting friends and strangers along life’s journey. He never missed an opportunity to thank others for their service. He knew no stranger. Larry could sense when he would need to pause his day to listen and support those who just needed a listening ear. He would continue to help others even in death, as his final request was to donate tissue.  Larry knew his final destination and strived to share the word of God with all those he came in contact with, especially focusing on family to help ensure they would be reunited in heaven someday. Larry loved the Dallas Cowboys since age 7, a team fan rather than one specific player. He was always a jokester. His famous peanut butter sandwiches are one thing he will fondly be remembered for, including by his grandchildren who grew to love them. If it wasn’t mixed, they would be sure to tell you “STOP! You’re doing it wrong.”   Larry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jeanette; children: Crystal (James) West, Amanda Sanchez, Lawrence E. Perdue II, Jessica Ruiz and Christina (Frank) Danner; 20 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and one on the way; siblings: Dewey (Becky) Perdue and Ann Fisher; many nieces and nephews and countless friends. He is also survived by his beloved fur-babies, Red, Pearl and sweet Heidi, who insisted on sleeping in his arms nightly.   Preceding him in death are his parents, Lewis Perdue and Pauline (Hugh) Carney; sisters: Cledith Peerenboom and Mary Harmon; his grandparents and his best friend and brother, Doug Danner and little brother, James Perdue.  - Lovingly written by the family