Larry Boyd

LARRY DON BOYD

Eldon

Larry Don Boyd, 80, of Brighton, formerly of Eldon, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 21, 2021, at Mercy Iowa City. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Eldon with Pastor Rick Zickefoose officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Eldon Cemetery immediately following. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at the funeral home and last until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Larry's honor may be directed to the family and mailed to 819 Boone Ave., Ottumwa, IA 52501. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Larry Don Boyd was born Jan. 6, 1941, in Duncan, Okla. He grew up and attended school there, graduating with the Duncan High School Class of 1959. Prior to graduation, he joined the Army National Guard, where he proudly served until April 25, 1964. During his time with the Guard, he was part of an artillery unit as well as a sharpshooter. He began working for the Rock Island Railroad shortly after graduation as a construction crane operator and underwater welder. This work saw him travel anywhere that the train would take him and eventually led him to meet the love of his life, Faye Steele. The two were married at the Eldon Assembly of God Church and began their family. They become the loving parents of two boys, DeWayne and Bradley. Larry continued to travel for the railroad until the Rock Island was no longer in service. He then continued his skill with a crane as an over the road construction and equipment operator. He eventually took a job with Excel in Ottumwa, where he was a dedicated employee for over 20 years until his retirement. Larry always worked hard to support his family. He loved dirt track racing and spending time with the family watching the stock car races. When he took time to relax at home, he would most often be reading a car magazine or watching a western movie. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend who will be missed but not forgotten.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Faye Boyd (2015); a great-grandson, Syris Rankin; and one brother, Tim Boyd.

Left to honor his memory are his sons, DeWayne (Susan) Boyd of Ottumwa, Iowa, and Bradley Boyd of Brighton, Iowa; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Boyd, Hannah Boyd and Hunter Boyd; two great-grandchildren, Jordan and Lane Rook; four siblings, Ted (Mary) Boyd, Rick Boyd, Randy Boyd and Carol (John) Miller; as well as many extended family and friends.