MASON CITY – Larry Davis built a life rooted in family, faith, hard work and service to others.
Davis, 83, of Mason City, died May 18, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Open Bible Church, 509 S. 17th St. in Clear Lake, with Pastor Will Hunsaker officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026, also at Open Bible Church.
Born August 1, 1942, in Des Moines to Cecil H. and Lillian Davis, Larry grew up in the Madrid and Johnston areas before his family moved north to Clear Lake and later Mason City. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1960.
From an early age, Larry loved the outdoors. He grew up hunting and fishing with his brother Mick and carried fond memories of life with his five brothers and two sisters. He also learned the value of hard work young, picking up the drywall trade after his father started Davis Drywall.
After high school, Larry worked construction, spent time at Decker’s Meat Packing and later worked for the City of Mason City, first in the sanitation department and then as a police officer. He served in law enforcement until an on-duty accident forced him into early retirement.
Larry was also a devoted husband, father, grandfather and man of faith. He had two sons, Roland and Todd, from his first marriage. On September 9, 1983, he married Peggy at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, and together they raised her son, Jim Barkema.
Larry and Peggy later bought and remodeled an acreage in rural Mason City, where they made their home for 20 years. During those years, the family became connected to the Clear Lake community and eventually to Open Bible Church in Clear Lake, where Larry and Peggy became members in 1995.
Faith became a central part of Larry’s life. He served Open Bible Church in many ways, including as an elder, in a ministry that helped provide meat to the community, in the church kitchen alongside Peg, driving the van for elderly members and children, and through a ministry of love to residents at Oakwood Care Center. He also took part in mission trips to India and Mexico.
Larry’s love of the outdoors never left him. He cherished time hunting and fishing with his sons as they grew up, and later he and Peggy enjoyed hunting together. He also spent many days fishing with Peggy and Jim, often around the Red Wing area.
The family also enjoyed “treasure hunting,” searching for antiques for Larry and Peg and toy tractors for Jim. Through years of attending auctions, they built many friendships and memories.
Most of all, Larry treasured his family. He loved time with his grandchildren, whether they were fishing, visiting Adventureland, traveling to Branson, watching movies at home or playing mini golf.
He is remembered as a man who served his community, loved his family deeply and lived with a steady hope in his faith.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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