John was born on October 20, 1923, near Sedan, Iowa to Cyrus and Maggie Emperley Large. He attended rural schools and later served with the United States Army during World War II. On October 5, 1946, he was married to Doris Irene Carmer in Montezuma, Iowa. The couple lived in Grinnell and Searsboro. He worked for Maytag Company in Newton as a supervisor in Plant #1. He retired in 1986. John enjoyed fishing and camping near Waterville, Minnesota and operating his citizens band radio. Family was very important to him and enjoyed telling stories of his childhood to his grandchildren Survivors include his wife, Doris Large of Grinnell; two daughters, Jonnie (Larry) Morton and Kathy Large of Grinnell; three grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one brother, Dean Alter of Kellogg; and two sisters, Bonnie Halterman of Grinnell and Nelma McGuire of Wayland, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Ann Belcher, Maxine Phipps and Maye Davis; and four brothers, Richard Alter, Lloyd, Richard and Carl Large. Memorials may be directed to Grinnell Regional Hospice or to the Mayflower Human Needs Fund.