Larry M. McMahon

Larry M. McMahon was born July 4, 1935 to Paul and Ruth McMahon in Shenandoah, Iowa. He passed away at Kavanagh House under the care of EveryStep Hospice on September 11, 2025.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, September 17^th at 10:30 am at the Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Rd Des Moines, the family will greet friends from 10 until service time.  Entombment with be in the Chapel Hill Gardens Mausoleum.

When he was just a youngster and still lived with his parents in Newton Iowa, his first job was setting bowling pins at the bowling alley.

Larry attended Des Moines Technical High School and graduated in 1953. During Larry’s tenure at Tech High in Des Moines, he was a key player on the football team. Following high school, drafting was his core area and he worked in this field at Lennox and Firestone for a few years.

As a young man, Larry served four years in the Naval Reserve branch of the US military.  He was very proud to serve his country.

On May 19,1956 he happily stated his vows to the love of his life, Sondra and were married for 68 years. They resided in Urbandale where they remained permanently.

Larry found employment with State Farm as an insurance agent and held that same position for 37 years. It was there he flourished in his career. His conscientious work ethic helped toward keeping the company competitive and promoted the State Farm reputation in Central Iowa. Larry’s impressive resume with the company earned him 7 times Legion of Honor, 1 time Bronze Tablet, and 3 times Life Travel.  His career allowed him many trips both locally and abroad. He would join other agents where they would get together for a “turkey hunt.”  State Farm was fortunate to have had Larry’s experience, dedication, and good service to his policy holders and to the company.  It takes pioneers to build a road so that others can succeed on it. Larry was one of those pioneers.

In the very early years, Larry and Sondra joined the Jaycees Club where they were involved in several activities and made lifelong friends. They spent many years RVing locally and across the country with their children. They met many new people and created numerous fond memories. They took pleasure in a few cruises where more friendships were made and spent winters in Texas part of the time. Larry would sometimes travel with a group of guy friends on fun fishing excursions and talk about ‘the big one’ that got away. Nascar races, playing board games, flight simulators and Fox News were some of his favorite pastimes.

Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and dear friend. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren, always giving sound advice and encouragement.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son Kent and his wife Angie; grandchildren Taylor McMahon; Connor (Alyson) McMahon; Gavin Weltz; two great grandchildren and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son in-law Pat, daughter Jill, son Barry and wife Sondra.

For those who wish to express sympathy, contributions may be directed to his son Kent for memorial gifts in Larry’s honor.