Larry Lee Crady, 85, of Grinnell, died at UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 10th at Newton Union Cemetery in Newton. A reception will follow at Oakland Acres Golf Club west of Grinnell on Highway 6.

Memorials may be designated to the Monroe American Legion and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family online at www.smithfh.com.

Larry was born June 25,1937 at Skiff Memorial Hospital, Newton Iowa to Carl and Crystal (Manly) Crady. The couple raised their family dairy farm north of Baxter, Iowa, where Carl was also a livestock farmer. The family moved to Newton, Iowa in 1942 and Larry attended Newton Schools. Larry worked at Square Deal Oil Co. (station attendant), Lewis Greenhouse (Grower), and Pallor's Flowers (Delivery). He enlisted in the United States Navy on August 1,1955. Upon his retirement, he was employed by the Maytag Company in Newton, Midwest Manufacturing in Kellogg, The Vernon Company in Newton, and had a partnership business making home repairs and electrical installations. While stationed in San Diego, California. Larry worked for Bell Electric, where he served his apprenticeship becoming a journeyman electrician.

While serving his country, Larry was stationed at Naval Communications Station, Washington D.C.; USS Agerholm DD826, homeported San Diego, California, USS Piedmont, AD17, homeported San Diego, California, USS Apache, ATF67, homeported San Diego, California, Flag Allowance Commander Cruiser Destroyer Forces Pacific Fleet, Flag Allowance, Commander Seventh Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan; Naval Communications Station, Cheltenham, Maryland and Fleet Training Center, San Diego, California, (Chief Instructor and Classified Control Officer). His at sea duty stations patrolling the vast Pacific Ocean, involved visits to, Australia, Japan, Fuji Islands, Hawaii, Guam, Midway, Mexico, Panama, The Gulf, Formosa, China, Hobart Tasmania, Vietnam, and other countries.

Larry attended and completed Radioman A School (operators) at Bainbridge, Maryland; Radioman B School (repair), San Diego, California; Instructors Training School, San Diego, California. Larry also finished his high school education and two years of study at night school at San Diego State University, and other educations courses available as offered by the U.S. Navy and corresponding educational institutions.

Larry married Iva Louise Hale, on January 15, 1959, and to this union five children were born, James, Karla, Vicki, Kevin, and Traci. Larry and Iva separated in 1984. Larry married Karen Gorsch, January 17, 1992 and, in his words, had a fantastic time as he played the final nine holes of his life. Larry was an avid golfer and played, when his health allowed, 5 or more days a week. Larry and Karen competed in numerous couple's golf tournaments for the enjoyment of togetherness and relaxation. Larry also enjoyed fishing, coon hunting, camping, and mule riding.

Larry is survived by his wife, Karen Crady of Grinnell; his children, Karla Hoffert of Salina, KS, Vicki Crady of Newton, Kevin (Rhonda) Crady of Newton, and Traci (Bob) VanderLeest of Newton; grandchildren, Chris Crady, Chad Crady, Jeremy Payne, Desmonne Hoffert, Stacy Vonk, Dallas Fisher, Darian Fisher, Megan Crady, Jesse Holder, Laci Olson, Travis, Nic and Shawn VanderLeest; great grandchildren, Kyle Crady, Casey Crady, Ava Neef, Acelynn Crady, Marley Payne, Kallen Gifford, Karley Gifford, Finley Fisher, Rowen Olson, Renlee Olson, Jerzi Crady, Hazen Carver and Hope Crady; and siblings, Kay (Gary) Stewart of North Carolina, Jerry (Shirley) Crady of Newton, Ronnie (Carol) Crady of Grinnell, Terry (Diane) Crady of Monroe, IA, and Don (Wendy) Crady of Florida and daughter-in-law, Cathy Crady. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James Crady; and sisters; Betty Crabtree and Karla Crady.