Larry Paul Meagher

Larry Paul Meagher

New London

Larry Paul Meagher, 83, of New London, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023 at Sunrise Terrace, Winfield. He had double congestive heart failure and his health had been declining over the last six months. He was born January 21, 1940, in Des Moines, IA, to Paul Albert and Pauline Harriett (Pierce) Meagher. He attended school in Des Moines through fourth grade, then graduated from Van Meter High School in 1958. He attended Iowa Wesleyan College for a year and a half, and while working at Van’s Diner, he met the love of his life, his wife Eileen Wick. They were married at St. Alphonsus Church on July 12, 1961.

Larry was a career Marine. He served in the USMC for 28 years, from 1961 – 1989, and his military service was very important to him. He went to bootcamp at MCRD San Diego. He was an aircraft avionics technician and served two tours in Vietnam between 1963 – 1966. He was also stationed in Japan, Okinawa, California, and North and South Carolina. He retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9).

He was a member of VFW Post 7641, and served as its Commander for twelve years. He was Chairman and a leading force of the New London Veteran Memorial Committee. He was a Commissioner for Henry County Veterans Affairs for ten years. He was on the Henry County Honor Guard for many years. He was a member of AMVETS, the American Legion, and the Marine Corp League.

He enjoyed traveling with Eileen, and they visited Ireland, England, Wales, Washington DC, the Carolinas, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Larry was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and was on the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Development Committee for ten years. He was also a member of the New London Volunteer Fire Department for ten years.

Larry is survived by his son Shawn Meagher of Macomb, Illinois and Shawn’s daughter Georgia Meagher of Denver, Colorado; his daughter Patty (Mark Robinson) Keagle of Mt. Pleasant and Patty’s daughter Arial Keagle of Boston; and one sister Connie Thomas of West Des Moines. In addition to his wife, Eileen, he was preceded in death by his parents and one son Timothy Paul Meagher.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Navy Chaplain Randy Langner officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am with the family receiving friends from 10:00 until the time of the service. According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will follow the service at St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant with military rites by the Henry County Honor Guard. Memorials have been established for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) and New London VFW Post 7641. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com