Went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, July 21, 2013. He was born in Grand Junction, Colorado on November 28, 1923 to Frederick Victor Larson and Ethel Elizabeth Blackwell Larson. His three brothers predeceased him: Haverly, Miles and Keene. He graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1946 where he played trombone and was remembered in the year book for his “indomitable good spirit”. He then served in the Army Air Corps. After the war he moved to California, eventually becoming a farmer of green seedless table grapes in the Coachella Valley and then avocados in Santa Barbara. He moved to Ithaca, NY to be near children and grandchildren.
He was a loving father to his three children, Cynthia (Roger, deceased) Slothower of Ithaca, Timothy Larson of Santa Barbara, CA and Kent Larson and daughter-in-law Naomi Nakada Larson of Dryden, NY. He was a father figure to many others, including Diana (Ray) Boltz of Lompoc, CA and Becky Larson of Santa Barbara, CA. He was a beloved grandfather to Molly, Samuel and Peter Slothower. He loved to sing in church choirs, to ballroom and swing dance, to listen to big band jazz and to work with children in a variety of settings. A long-time member of the City Club of Ithaca and Bethel Grove Bible Church, his cheer, humor, encouraging spirit, glorious smile and faithful witness to his Heavenly Father touched countless lives. There will be a celebration of his life at Bethel Grove Bible Church, 1763 Slaterville Rd, Ithaca on Saturday, July 27 at 11AM. An additional gathering will be held at Longview, date to be announced. Gifts in his memory may be made to Longview, to Hospice or to the charity of your choice. Perkins Funeral Home assisted the family.
www.perkinsfuneralhome.com
