Larry E. Plumb

On Feb. 4, 2015, Larry Eugene Plumb joined his wife and family in heaven. Larry was born in Baxter, shortly after which he moved to Newton, were he resided his entire life. Larry was a mischievous child who made lifelong friends with other like-minded kids such as Bud Davis, Tom Davis and Paul Berry. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War after which he met the love of his life, Magel Lucas. They were united in marriage July 3, 1955.

Larry started working for Maytag in 1952, as a laborer. He joined the United Auto Workers where his tireless efforts in protecting worker rights resulted in his being elected as a chief plant representative. He held that post until the early 1980s. Larry was a prime example that no matter what someone’s background or education, a person could always succeed through determination and hard work. During his time at Maytag he always had a second job as a farmer, gas station owner, body shop owner and at the time of his death, landlord of multiple rental homes. When the Maytag plant closed in 2007, Larry was their longest tenured employee, having given them 55 years of service as a proud member of the UAW.

Larry and Magel had six children who they loved more than anything in the world. Larry was a fierce protector of his children, teaching them such invaluable lessons as hard work, treating all as equals, protecting those that can’t protect themselves, and most importantly, you are never too old to change your ways and become a better person. His children will always cherish the valuable lessons they learned from their father and would like to say a special thank you to Judy Brassfield who became his significant other in 2009. Judy and Larry provided each other comfort and companionship with her at his side when he died.

Larry is survived by his children, Larry D. (Diane) Plumb of Newton, Randy Plumb (Kathy Pickett) of Newton, Dick (Jessica) Plumb of Shakopee, Minn., Van (Debbie) Plumb of Des Moines and Tracy Plumb of Des Moines; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his brothers, William M. “Bill” (Janet) Plumb of Newton and Doug Plumb of Newton; many nieces and nephews; and his significant other, Judy Brassfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Magel in 2009; son, Jeff in 2010; grandson, Kalin Gurley; three brothers, Dick, Bob and Jim Plumb; and two sisters, Cleo Hoover and Wilda Nelson.

The family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home & Crematory in Newton.

A private family burial will be at a later date at the Union Chapel Cemetery in rural Ira.

Memorials to the Jasper County Animal Rescue League and Humane Society may be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home. Memorials may also be mailed to the funeral home please add, Attn: Plumb Family on the envelope.