Lawrence "Larry" Edward Wilkinson

Lawrence "Larry" Edward Wilkinson, age 59 of Moravia, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines from injuries sustained in a scooter accident. Larry was born August 11, 1954 to Robert "Bob" and Patricia (Amos) Wilkinson in Ottumwa. He married Vickie Yenger September 9, 1978, at the First Christian Church in Albia. They were blessed with nearly 35 years of marriage and two children, Tiffany and Travis. A graduate of Ottumwa High School, Larry received an Associate of Arts degree in business from Indian Hills Community College. He worked for Iowa Southern Utilities in Ottumwa, Burlington, Washington and Centerville; was an investment advisor for Iowa Trust and Savings Bank in Centerville; and worked at Rathbun Regional Water Association as an economic development specialist. He and Vickie then owned and operated Playtime Storage in Moravia. It was established in 1996 and evolved into a storage, repair and maintenance facility. Recently, Larry was the store manager at the Rathbun Marina. Larry was a member of the Rathbun Yacht Club where he penned a monthly column under the pseudonym "Captain Chaos" for the Wind Scoop Newsletter for several years, a founding member of the Rathbun Lighthouse Society, past member of the Rathbun Lake Association, and former president of the Centerville Chamber of Commerce. His pride and joy were his grandchildren. When not spending time with his family, he enjoyed being outdoors sailing, camping, scuba diving, and working at the lake. He also liked helping people, traveling, and playing a daily game of cribbage with close friends. He was very talented working with his hands and worked on many projects in Papa's Nauti Shop with his grandchildren. Larry is survived by his wife, Vickie of Moravia; two children, Chief Petty Officer Travis (fiancé, Shannon Clothier) Wilkinson of Lexington Park, MD and Tiffany (Tyler) Havard of Albia; three grandchildren, Treyton, Tommy and Tessa Havard; his mother, Patricia Wilkinson of Ottumwa; and three siblings, Kathy Loving of Ottumwa, Dennis (Diane) Wilkinson of Glendale, AZ and Jody (Dave) Aeschliman of Bloomfield. He is also survived by his best friend, David Howe of Centerville; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob; a sister Diane Wilkinson; and a brother-in-law, Gary Loving. A Celebration of Life will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 29, 2013, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia; with Pastor Richard Grimes officiating. Burial will be in Main Station Cemetery near Rathbun Lake. Visitation will be 2-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Larry's family present from 5-8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Iowa Donor Network or to the family for a later donation.

Lawrence "Larry" Edward Wilkinson

August 11, 1954 - August 25, 2013