Lawrence D. "Larry" Varley III was born on September 20, 1946 in Shenandoah, Iowa; the son of Lawrence D. and Frances Ruth (Conklin) Varley II. Larry entered into rest on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at his rural Shenandoah home following a brave battle with cancer.

Larry attended school in Shenandoah and graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1964. On November 17, 1971 enlisted in the United States Army where he served until he was honorably discharged on November 9, 1973.

Larry owned and operated Doc's Place in Shenandoah from 1981-2001. Larry enjoyed visiting with his customers and the friendships that he made. After his retirement he tended to the family farm. Cold Springs Farm was a special and important part of Larry's life. Larry's life came full circle here as it was on this farm that he was raised and in his final days, it was the place that provided him peace as he entered into eternal rest.

The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs were a high priority on Larry's list of favorite sports teams. When the gold and black took the field, you could bet that Larry would be listening. When baseball season rolled around, it was all about the Cubs. Win or lose, he was a true fan until the end. Larry was also a member of the Shenandoah Eagles Club.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters Tammy Schaapherder and husband Jan-Peter of Tanzania, Africa and Teri Varley and Stacy Johnson of Kearny, AZ; step children Rusty Robinson of Thurman, IA, Polly Greene of Shenandoah, IA and Zeke Robinson of Bonner Springs, KS; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Vernice Lindell and husband Bob of Evansville, IN, and their daughter, Jennifer Werry and her husband Paul of Poseyville, IN, Glenice Varley and her husband Tom Wessels of Ames, IA and Jill Varley of Saginaw, TX; other relatives and many friends. Larry donated his body to the University of Nebraska to help further medical research.

Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in Shenandoah with Rev. Gary Fuller officiating. Max and Patty Woerth attended the memorial register. Special music for the service included "Lonesome Dove", "Amazing Grace", "Go Rest High On That Mountain" and "Iowa's Fight Song". Serving as honorary casket bearers were all of Larry's friends. Memorials can be directed to Heartland Hospice, People for Paw or to the donor's choice.