"So sad for the loss of Larry, who was such a great person. Have known him all my life, spending time at their house with Paula and Marcia and riding the school bus with him. Now at peace and back with Susie. ?"
In loving memory of
Larry Pilling
October 1, 1947 - May 31, 2023
Larry Pilling, 75 of Macedonia, IA, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at the Carson Community Center in Carson, IA. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Burial with military honors will be in the Macedonia Cemetery. Loess Hills Funeral Home in Carson is caring for Larry and his family.
Memorials: Per the family's request, in lieu of flowers, the family will direct memorials
OBITUARY
Larry Pilling, 75, of Macedonia, Iowa, passed away on May 31, 2023 in the comfort of his home where he was surrounded by family members.
Larry Paul Pilling was born on October 1, 1947 in Council Bluffs, the eldest child of Paul Lewis and Daisy Mae (Moore) Pilling. Larry grew up east of Macedonia, Iowa on the family farm and graduated from Carson-Macedonia High School in 1965. After high school Larry began farming full time with his father and continued to farm with his son-in-law, Nick Allen, until his death.
Larry and Karlene Sue (Susie) Eckert were united in marriage on October 18, 1969 at the Macedonia United Methodist Church. They made their home on a farm near Macedonia and were blessed with two daughters, Leslie Ann and Lisa Sue.
Larry was born to be a farmer. His father taught him how to drive a tractor at the age of six. When Larry wasn't helping his father with farm chores, you could find him hanging out with Rich Henry who he considered a brother. The two of them had fun riding horses, hunting squirrels, and "torturing" Larry's sisters, Paula and Marcia. A strong work ethic was instilled in Larry by his father from the time he started helping out on the farm. Along with farming, Larry enjoyed the role of a seed sales representative for Pioneer Seed for over 25 years. Larry was an honest man of his word and he was well-respected by everyone he did business with. From the landlords that he rented farm ground from to the customers that he sold seed to, everyone always had such high praise for Larry. Whenever Larry had somewhere to be, he always managed to take the "long way" to his destinations so that he could see the different sights and sounds of Southwest Iowa.
Larry joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1966 and served for six years. Larry was an active member of both the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge. Larry loved pheasant hunting and deer hunting every season. He also looked forward to the fishing trips he would take to either South Dakota or Minnesota in the summers. In his free time, Larry loved watching old westerns and car races (Nascar and Indy) on television. He cheered on the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. Larry had a love for his pets and some of his favorite memories involved gator rides with his dogs Mickey and Brownie.
Larry's grandkids were his pride and joy. He found the role of grandfather very fulfilling and he enjoyed every minute spent with them. The grandkids affectionately referred to him as "Pop." During the final months of his life, Larry was extremely grateful for the time he spent with his two sisters. Without hesitation, Paula and Marcia moved in with Larry to care for him and look after him just as their mom would have done. During this time, the three of them had the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on cherished childhood memories.
Larry was preceded in death by wife Susie Pilling, his parents, Paul and Daisy Pilling, in-laws, John and Gladys Eckert, and brother-in-law Dennis Peterson.
Larry is survived by his daughters, Leslie Pilling and husband Kirk Eckert of Fallbrook, CA, and Lisa Allen and husband Nick of Macedonia; three wonderful grandchildren, Jackson Paul Allen, Lillian Lynn Eckert, and Daizy Sue Allen; sisters, Paula Peterson of Davenport, IA and Marcia Pilling of Seattle, WA; nieces and nephews; many extended relatives; and a host of special friends.
Tributes
"The last two years of my brother's (Verle Palmer) life he spent sleeping on my mother's (Jeanne Palmer) couch so no room for me. Susie and Larry took me into their home, gave me a place to sleep, food, friendship and more any time I needed it. I will never forget. Leslie Palmer"
"Larry was a good neighbor always would wave when you met him on the road or he drove by. Thoughts and prayers to the family."
"Larry was a neighboring salesman during our days with Pioneer, he was always willing to swap or share seed and was interesting to consult and visit with at meetings. May the family find peace in knowing he was a good man. Jeff Richards, Emerson"
"Larry Pilling was a good neighbor and a fellow brother Mason. I enjoyed Larry as a customer, a friend, a neighbor and brother. May God grant His peace to Larry's family. Terry and Gladys McClain"
"So sorry to hear Larry passed. He missed Susie so much & I know he is at peace now being reunited with her. My condolences to the family, especially daughters Lisa & Leslie."