Larry Ray Lyons

Larry Ray Lyons, age 82, of Allen Place in Atlantic, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 21st, 2026, at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel located at 1721 Park Street, Perry, Iowa. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Memorials may be directed to the family and will be designated at a later date in honor of Larry’s memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Born on February 7, 1944, in Perry, Iowa, Larry was joined by his twin sister Lana. Two peas in a pod since. Son of Dean & Ethel Lyons and joined by an older brother Gary to complete the family. Larry was raised, attended elementary, middle and high school, also graduated, and later taught in Perry for many years. Perry has always been home.

Childhood years were spent a lot of the time at Grandma & Grandpa Willis's, where he learned sewing, quilting, gardening and canning skills, along with cooking, fishing and camping. Family vacations to High Lake and Okoboji were highlights. He once told us kids he and mom got caught in a thunderstorm in the middle of High Lake and thought then they were going to die. These trips carried on for many years with the family yearly. He excelled in school and he was on the Perry Cheerleading squad from 1960–1962. He graduated in 1962 from Perry High.

After graduation, Larry attended Drake University from 1963–1967, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Science as well as Education. He would later go on to receive his Master’s Degree in Science and Education in 1979.

In 1968, he entered into the United States Army. He served in Vietnam on the front lines, earning distinguished awards for heroism as well as medals, including Bronze & Silver Stars. Only serving two years, he was honorably discharged in 1970. Larry was a decorated war veteran and also a hero. Many people never knew this. God bless him for his service and heroism. We as a family have always been honored by this.

Larry had two passions in life—teaching and cats. He began his teaching career in 1970 and after a few years, he began his career at Perry High. Spanning over many years, Perry was home. He wasn't just your ordinary, average teacher to walk the halls. He laughed, mentored, cheered, pushed, challenged, cried, and genuinely cared for all kids he encountered. He went above and beyond for his colleagues as well as students. He had the patience of a saint, the knowledge of a prophet, and had more heart than most. We hope and pray his legacy lives on in the lives he touched.

Larry loved animals. Siamese cats being his favorite. Never have we ever seen any animal not love Larry. His soft demeanor and baby talk always lured them in. Larry loved traveling, from England, Hawaii and Canada just to name a few. Many family vacations were spent with his twin and her family. All vacations were hilarious and always eventful if Larry came with. Most summers he was off of teaching were spent in Gray, Iowa, playing Nanny Larry to Keven and Christal. From band practice to baseball practice, he always showed up and never raised his voice ever, even though he probably should have! Some of our very best memories of our uncle came from Gray. We were so fortunate as kids to have him! Best uncle ever!!

There wasn't much Larry didn't do!

Larry was a bar owner. He rode RAGBRAI and loved walks. Always drove the cool car. He loved sweets and was as frugal as they come. He was extremely artistic. He also hand-sewn many quilts with his sister. He cared for his mother until her death. He also moved to Atlantic to care for his twin. He was the most selfless human to ever grace your presence. He was always smiling and would help anyone. Larry was the most patient, understanding, funniest, smartest man you'd ever meet. Larry loved his life, his family, the Perry community, and loved all of his students throughout the years. Our hearts are broken and our family is incomplete now, but his kindness lives on in the lives he touched every day. Be kind like him always...

Larry leaves behind his twin sister and best friend Lana K. Coatney of Atlantic, Iowa; nephew Keven & Jodi Feuring of Carson, Iowa; niece Christal Sullivan-Sander & Mike Sander of Atlantic, Iowa; nephew Mike Lyons of Des Moines, Iowa & Dean Lyons of Grand Junction, Iowa; nieces Amber Lyons of Minburn, Iowa & Lisa Lyons Jorgensen of Webster City, Iowa; other relatives and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Dean & Ethel Lyons & brother Gary Lyons.