BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — John Thomas Larson, age 84, of Baxter Springs, passed from this life and entered a new realm of life with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at his home with his family surrounding him.
John was born May 28, 1927 in Everest, Kan. to the union of Lars S. and Anna Thonette (Pedersen) Larson.
He attended and graduated from Horton High School with the class of 1945. On the very day of his graduation he was drafted into the United States Navy and left the same day of graduation.
He was in the United States Navy for seven years as a Petty Officer 3rd Class, serving in the South Pacific, and Korea.
He was united in marriage on Nov. 14, 1948, in Horton, Kan. to Shirley Lou (Johnston) Larson.
Moving to the Baxter Springs area, John was employed by McCartney Manufacturing as a Drafting Engineer retiring June 30, 1985 after twenty four years with the company.
John was very active in the community and church. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Baxter Springs. Within the church he was a member of the First United Methodist Men. He also attended Men’s Prayer Breakfast every Tuesday morning. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 71 of Baxter Springs, Baxter Springs Lion’s Club, V.F.W. Post 408 of Baxter Springs, and American Legion Post 206 of Baxter Springs.
John enjoyed golfing, fishing, storytelling, woodworking, and watching baseball. He took great pride in his Norwegian heritage. Most of all he especially loved spending time with his grandsons and taking part in their activities.
John leaves behind his dog and special friend Snooky.
John is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James Larson and Lars S. (Larry) Larson II; two sisters Loretta Larson and Amy Larson Zeiner.
He is survived by his wife Shirley Larson of 63 years of the home; one son, Gary Larson of Baxter Springs; two daughters, Debbie Page and husband, Les, of Baxter Springs and Teresa and husband, Dr. Richard A. Claiborne, of Wichita, Kan.; four grandsons, Dr. Richard Thomas Claiborne of Portland, Ore., Matthew Wayne Page of Baxter Springs, Rodney Alan Claiborne of Missoula, Mont. and John Thomas Larson II of Lubbock, Texas.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the First United Methodist Church, Baxter Springs. Rev. Wayne Handle will officiate. Burial will follow in the Baxter Springs Cemetery, with Masonic and Military rites.
John has been entrusted to Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel for cremation.
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