Larry Watson, Longtime Harlan Resident, Dies at 87

Watson leaves behind wife, four children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Larry Watson, a longtime resident of Harlan, Iowa, has passed away at the age of 87. Watson is survived by his wife, Carol, four children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Visitation services will be held on Saturday, March 14th from 2 to 4 PM at Fresh Encounter church in Harlan.

Why it matters

Larry Watson was a pillar of the Harlan community, having lived there for many decades. His passing marks the end of an era for the town, as he was deeply involved in local organizations and activities.

The details

In addition to his wife Carol, Watson is survived by his four children: Jennifer (Bernie) Watson-Peters of Persia, IA, Suzanne (Jay) Handbury of Neola, IA, Rebecca (Mark) Eldridge of Terre Haute, IN, and Barbara (Shawn) Carter of Harlan, IA. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with one more great-grandchild on the way. Watson is further survived by his sister, Lynette (Dr. Marvin) Dvorak of Omaha, NE, and his sister-in-law, Lois Shultheis of Wayne, NE.

  • Visitation services for Larry Watson will be held on Saturday, March 14th from 2 to 4 PM.

The players

Larry Watson

A longtime resident of Harlan, Iowa who passed away at the age of 87.

Carol Watson

The wife of Larry Watson.

Jennifer (Bernie) Watson-Peters

One of Larry Watson's four children, residing in Persia, IA.

Suzanne (Jay) Handbury

One of Larry Watson's four children, residing in Neola, IA.

Rebecca (Mark) Eldridge

One of Larry Watson's four children, residing in Terre Haute, IN.

Barbara (Shawn) Carter

One of Larry Watson's four children, residing in Harlan, IA.

Lynette (Dr. Marvin) Dvorak

Larry Watson's sister, residing in Omaha, NE.

Lois Shultheis

Larry Watson's sister-in-law, residing in Wayne, NE.

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The takeaway

Larry Watson's passing marks the end of an era for the Harlan community, as he was a longtime resident and deeply involved in local organizations and activities. His legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who continue to reside in the area.