Lieutenant Colonel Larry Walter Wandling

Lieutenant Colonel Larry Walter Wandling, United States Air Force, Retired, died on October 17, 2024 in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Larry will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Details of his memorial service are pending.

Larry is survived by his wife, Phyllis Davis and his daughters; Laurie (Bryan) Livengood of Lexington, KY; and Lisa (Joe) Cooling of Roswell, GA. Other beloved family members are Phillip (Dawn) Black of Niceville, FL. Six wonderful grandchildren survive him, Josh and Kyle Livengood; Lindsey and Lauren Cooling and Ethan and Holland Black. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Dorothy Wandling and Janet McClymond. Sadly, his 51-year marriage to Vivian Koenig Wandling ended with her untimely death in 2013. Larry later married Phyllis Davis and was warmly accepted into her family.

Larry Wandling was born November 28, 1939, the youngest of three children in the marriage of Clarence F. and Caroline A. (Fant) Wandling. He received his primary education in the Marengo schools where he graduated in 1958. On June 3, 1961, he and his high school sweetheart Vivian K. Koenig, were married in the First Methodist Church, Marengo. After receiving his degree from Coe College, he and Vivian set out on an exciting 22-year adventure in the Air Force. Their two beautiful daughters were born into the military family that found them living in several states and abroad in Germany. He was an aircrew member for 13 years flying bombers, trainers, observation, and fighters before serving as a headquarters staff officer. His final assignment was as a deputy base commander in Florida. Larry served in Viet Nam as an airborne forward air controller. There he flew over 100 combat missions while earning a Distinguished Flying Cross and numerous Air Medals. His post military career saw him serving as a stockbroker for A.G.

Edwards and in administrative positions at Northwest Florida State College. Larry returned to higher education where he earned a master’s and another bachelor’s degree. He was Summa Cum Laude and inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.

Larry developed a keen interest in the American Civil War to the point he opened a rare book business centering on this subject. He, Vivian and later, Phyllis, participated in nearly 200 Civil War and bookfairs across the U.S. He was a member of the prestigious Atlanta Civil War Roundtable and both the Florida and Georgia Antiquarian Booksellers Associations. He was also a member of the Wandling-Wendall American Legion Post 76 for over 30 years.

Nothing was more important to Larry than the wellbeing of his family and getting to spend time with them. They were a special blessing to him. The friendship of his extended family developed during 25 years of Civil War activities was also dear. He will be missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent via check to First United Methodist Church, 895 Court Avenue, Marengo, IA 52301, or to the American Legion Post 76, P.O. Box 232, Marengo, Iowa 52301.