Lawrence James Gannon

Colfax - Lawrence, "Larry", James Gannon, 77, passed away peacefully December 10, 2017 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.

Larry was the son of Edward J. Gannon Sr., and Mary Dorothy (Ryan) Gannon and grew up on the family farm near Mingo, Iowa.

He graduated Dowling Catholic High School in 1959, and the University of Iowa in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts, General Science degree. Larry was a lifelong Hawkeye fan.

Before he began his teaching career of 32 years, Larry was employed by the Iowa State Department of Health. He began teaching science at Bondurant Schools in 1966 and remained there until 1971 when he took a position teaching junior high science at Colfax-Mingo Schools. He retired from that position in 1998.

Larry married Diane Marie Lockhart in 1987 and together they enjoyed their acreage "On Golden Pond" north of Colfax, Iowa, for 26 years. Larry and Diane relished caring for their beloved cats, geese and other creatures, as well as gardening.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Marie (Lockhart) Gannon; brothers Paul William and Edward Joseph; and sister Alice Marie (Gannon) Woods.

He is survived by two brothers, Donald (Dorothy) Gannon, Ankeny, Iowa; John Thomas (Mary Jo) Gannon of Hampshire, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

A private family celebration of Larry's life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Published in Des Moines Register on Dec. 17, 2017