Since Larry is also a WWII Veteran he will be included in the Manning Veterans' history book which includes anyone who served in the military and lived in Manning or the surrounding rural area at least a year.

As I work on the Veterans book and also think back to the teachers I had, it is amazing how many of them served in the military.
Below, besides the obituary, is information I put together with the help of Larry and his son, Marty, in 2016.

In Loving Memory of Larry Gillespie

WWII - Tenth Mountain Division WWII

Larry Gillespie, 96, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2020. Originally from Missouri Valley, Iowa, he served in WW II with the 10th Mountain Division Special Forces Ski Troops. He attended Arizona State, and graduated from Drake University where he played football and was a DD award winner.

He coached all high school sports from 1951-52 at Manning High School, in Manning, Iowa. He achieved 23 straight wins as head basketball coach and the only loss was to Glenwood in the finale of sub-state play.

From 1955-1985 he served in the roles of teacher, coach, vice-principal, and principal at DM Tech. He was also a long-time manager at Southtown pool and worked at Adventureland after retirement.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty, with whom he had two children; Shelley Fisher (Bill) and Marty Gillespie (Nancy). He has 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was also married to Kathleen Allen after the death of his first wife. Larry was an inspiration to his family, friends, players, and students. He will be truly missed by all of those whose lives he touched.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Larry will be buried with Betty in Missouri Valley.

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