1942
Larry
2017
Larry Larson
September 10, 1942 — May 8, 2017
Larry Larson, 74, of Kansas City died on Monday, May 8, 2017 surrounded by loved ones. He was born September 10, 1942 in Onawa, Iowa to the late Willard Larson and Eunice Sorenson Larson.
Larry joined the service and served his country honorably. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Good Conduct Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. The structure and rigor of the Army led him to attending law school at the University of Missouri Kansas City, where he graduated with a law degree in 1973.
He was an active member of his community and had a strong passion for helping others. Larry started his law practice in 1974 and was still practicing until 2015. During his years as an attorney he decided to venture into politics. In 2004, Larry was voted in as Clay County Western Commissioner where he served two 4-year terms. He was passionate about the Parks and Recreational systems and wanted to keep Clay County as a prime destination for future families, economic development and tourism.
In his free time, Larry spent many days on his sailboat, Valhalla, the Viking word for heaven, and heaven it was. He was so proud of his boat and would sail for hours and let the sun and wind hit his face. Larry also spent his free time golfing. He often said golf is played in the 5-inch space between your ears. Larry loved playing golf because it gave him time with his friends and sons. He enjoyed how peaceful it was on the course early in the morning with the dew still on the grass.
Throughout his life he treasured the time spent on the various committees and boards that he had the pleasure to serve on. Those include: Clay County Election Board, Clay County Park Commissioner, Shoal Creek Historical Association Board, Paradise Point Yacht Club, Paradise Point Board, American Legion, Elder and Sunday School Teacher at North Oak Christian Church. Larry believed family was everything and would do anything for his children, “and now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) As we remember Larry let us hoist the sails to see the world that is full of beauty! Until we meet again!
Larry is survived by: companion Vicki Traxler, 4 children: Doug (Lucy) Larson of Dallas, TX, Kim Larson and Marc Schulz (Troy, MO), Whitney (Jeff) Reed of Lee’s Summit, MO, Clayton Larson and Caitlin Foreman (Kansas City, MO). He also leaves behind 4 grandchildren with 2 grandchildren on the way: Tanner and Tommy Fast, Lila and Emma Larson, Baby Reed and Baby Larson and surviving sister Kathleen and Marlin Dugdale.
In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by; his brothers Daryl and Leon Larson. Grandparents Charles and Eva Larson and Peter and Ethel Sorenson.
Visitation will be Monday, May 15, 2017 from 5 to 8 PM at Terrace Park Funeral Home, 801 NW 108th St. (169 Hwy & Shoal Creek) Kansas City, MO. Pastor Rob Carr will officiate the funeral service on Tuesday, May 16, at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at Terrace Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association. Share online condolences at TerraceParkFuneral.com.
Larry joined the service and served his country honorably. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Good Conduct Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. The structure and rigor of the Army led him to attending law school at the University of Missouri Kansas City, where he graduated with a law degree in 1973.
He was an active member of his community and had a strong passion for helping others. Larry started his law practice in 1974 and was still practicing until 2015. During his years as an attorney he decided to venture into politics. In 2004, Larry was voted in as Clay County Western Commissioner where he served two 4-year terms. He was passionate about the Parks and Recreational systems and wanted to keep Clay County as a prime destination for future families, economic development and tourism.
In his free time, Larry spent many days on his sailboat, Valhalla, the Viking word for heaven, and heaven it was. He was so proud of his boat and would sail for hours and let the sun and wind hit his face. Larry also spent his free time golfing. He often said golf is played in the 5-inch space between your ears. Larry loved playing golf because it gave him time with his friends and sons. He enjoyed how peaceful it was on the course early in the morning with the dew still on the grass.
Throughout his life he treasured the time spent on the various committees and boards that he had the pleasure to serve on. Those include: Clay County Election Board, Clay County Park Commissioner, Shoal Creek Historical Association Board, Paradise Point Yacht Club, Paradise Point Board, American Legion, Elder and Sunday School Teacher at North Oak Christian Church. Larry believed family was everything and would do anything for his children, “and now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) As we remember Larry let us hoist the sails to see the world that is full of beauty! Until we meet again!
Larry is survived by: companion Vicki Traxler, 4 children: Doug (Lucy) Larson of Dallas, TX, Kim Larson and Marc Schulz (Troy, MO), Whitney (Jeff) Reed of Lee’s Summit, MO, Clayton Larson and Caitlin Foreman (Kansas City, MO). He also leaves behind 4 grandchildren with 2 grandchildren on the way: Tanner and Tommy Fast, Lila and Emma Larson, Baby Reed and Baby Larson and surviving sister Kathleen and Marlin Dugdale.
In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by; his brothers Daryl and Leon Larson. Grandparents Charles and Eva Larson and Peter and Ethel Sorenson.
Visitation will be Monday, May 15, 2017 from 5 to 8 PM at Terrace Park Funeral Home, 801 NW 108th St. (169 Hwy & Shoal Creek) Kansas City, MO. Pastor Rob Carr will officiate the funeral service on Tuesday, May 16, at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at Terrace Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association. Share online condolences at TerraceParkFuneral.com.
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