Larry Gene Lakin

Larry Gene Lakin, 83, of Newton died on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center.  A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, January 19, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.  The family will greet friends after the service with a coffee time at the funeral home.  Memorials to Wesley Life Hospice may be left at the funeral home.

Larry, the son of William and Iva (Alloway) Swisher, was born on August 15, 1942, in Newton.  He grew up in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in the class of 1961. Larry served his country in the U.S. Army.  On February 7, 1969, Larry was united in marriage with Connie Johnson in Newton.  He worked in the factory at the Maytag Company, retiring after 30 years.  Larry was a member of the Izaak Walton League and the Moose Lodge.  Larry and Connie enjoyed many summers at their lake house on Lake Marie in Missouri and later wintering along the southern coast.  He also liked hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, and traveling.  Larry was a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and WWE Wrestling.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and never could turn down a cup of ice cream.

Larry is survived by his wife, Connie Lakin of Newton; daughter, Lorrie Lakin of Newton; grandchildren, Chrystal (Norberto) Horrach, Erika (Stephen) Mahoney, Justin (Sam) Sells, Tyler Lakin, Breanna Grider, and Dalton Lakin; his 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ronnie (Cindy) Swisher, Glen Swisher, and Laurie (Albert) Sudbrock; brother-in-law, Bruce Johnson; sister-in-law, Nancy Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard “Rich” Lakin; sister, Sharon Swisher; and brother-in-law, Phil Johnson.

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