Lawrence Leroy Watson was born on the Clark ranch, west of Stennett, Iowa, in Montgomery County, on December 18, 1933, to Ira Vern and Mattie L (Jones) Watson. He passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Accura Healthcare, Stanton, Iowa, at the age of 92 years, 6 months and 29 days. In Larry’s young years, he lived in Vancouver, Washington, Laclede County, Missouri, and Carter Lake, Iowa. At age 14 while in Missouri, his parents sold their farm and moved to Omaha. Larry chose to leave home at this time. He got a job on a farm near Stennett working there while putting himself through school. While in school, Larry played basketball and baseball. Not being busy enough, he drove a school bus his senior year, a skill that served him well through most of his adult life. On top of all of this, he found time to meet Dorothy Mckinney from the nearby metropolis of Wales. They became high school sweethearts and after graduating high school in 1951, they were married on December 30, 1951. Larry and Dorothy moved to Omaha and on October 13, 1952, their son, Steve, was born. In 1954, Larry and Dorothy purchased the Standard Oil Station in Stanton and moved to town. For several decades, Larry and Dorothy worked side by side and the business flourished. On April 20th, 1957, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Melanie.

     Throughout the years, Larry was very involved in his children’s lives, sporting events, camping trips, waterskiing, and helping with 4H projects. He served as a 4H leader and was the Sheep Superintendent for many years. Larry touched the lives of countless youth. In 1996, Larry and Dorothy were inducted into the Montgomery County Fair Hall of Fame. Larry gave back to Stanton in many ways, he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, worked with the committee providing some of the land for the original section of the Viking Trail, and his crew cleaned his building at 301 Broad every Homecoming and hosted the annual pancake feed. Larry was an active member of Mamrelund Lutheran Church where he was on the board and head usher for many years.

     While in business, Larry served on the board of the Iowa Fertilizer and Chemical Dealers Association. He was also on the board of the Iowa Petroleum Marketers Association and served as their president for 2 years. Larry suffered many tragic events thru the years, the very premature death of his son, a horrific motorcycle accident in 1983, and dealing with an ag business in the farm crisis of the 80s. He always got through these challenges and managed to rise above.

     Larry was preceded in death by his wife of over 67 years, Dorothy in 2019; son, Steve in 1971; sister, Verna Dean and brother, Dale Watson.

     Larry is survived by his daughter, Melanie Peterson and husband Mark of rural Stanton, IA; his pride and joy 5 grandsons: Matthew (Kieysha Chapa) of Stanton, IA, Mitchell of Ankeny, IA, Magnum and wife Kelsey of North Carolina, Monroe and wife Morgan of rural Stanton, IA, and Myles and wife Erin of Longmont Co; 7 great-grandchildren; and brother, David Watson of Reno NV; other relatives and many friends.

     May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, July 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton, Iowa. Burial will take place in Mamre Cemetery, Stanton, Iowa

Visitation with the family on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Mamrelund Lutheran Church from 9:30 a.m. until service time at 10:30 a.m.

Memorials may be directed to Mamrelund Lutheran Church or Stanton Fire & Rescue.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Larry’s arrangements and serving his family.