Memorial services for Enid Laverne “Bud” Larson, 95, Lawrence, will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church. Inurnment will be at Roselawn Cemetery in Salina.
Mr. Larson died Saturday, October 31, 2015 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
He was born, July 17, 1920, in Salina, the son of Oscar and Agnes Malmstrom Larson. He attended school until 8th grade. He quit school to work to help support his younger siblings and recently widowed mother. He later earned his GED in his 60’s and was very proud of this accomplishment.
Mr. Larson started working delivering groceries, then at Brown Welding Supply, next helping construct the Kanopolis Reservoir, and finally a System Operator at Kansas Gas & Electric for 35 years. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII, enjoyed watching his daughter’s softball games, helping his son become an eagle scout, and tinkering on things. Mr. Larson was a Mason, Presbyterian Elder, member of the American Legion, and avid KU fan.
He married the love of his life, Gwendolyn R. Pickard on August 7, 1946, in Abilene, KS. They have been blessed with 69 years together. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include a son, Warren “Mike” Larson and wife Georgia of Las Cruces, NM; daughter, Jill Bradney and husband Ed of Lawrence; sister, Jean Harlenske of Arvada, CO; grandchildren, Michael Larson and wife Janay, Amanda Root and husband Nate, Josh Bradney and wife Dawn, Tyler Bradney and wife Lindsey; great grandchildren, Gavin Root, Ashley Root, Carson Bradney, and Lauren Bradney. Other survivors include many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ernest and Harold Larson; sisters, Fern Lantry, Marjorie Beatley, and Phyllis Dolloff.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the First Presbyterian Church Lawrence, and the Shriners Children Hospital, sent in care of the funeral home.
Dearest Gwen & Jill, I am deeply saddened to heard of Bud’s passing. He was a very dear neighbor & I enjoyed our many visits through the years. May you find comfort in the many memories shared with such a gentle & kind man. May God’s peace & love fill your hearts.
Billie Wedel
So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. my condolences to you and your family.
Dearest Gwen & Jill,
I just learned of Bud’s passing. What an exemplary life he lived! Such a godly, kind, thoughtful man! I know that he and Jerry are having a great reunion. What fond memories I have of all the good times we shared! Here we ended up in the very place that you took us for some of our first camping experiences. The years have separated us, but I haven’t forgotten our special friendship and shared faith in Jesus Christ! I know that He will be your Comforter on this earth, until you see Bud again in heaven! Much love, Carolyn
My dearest Gwen and Jill,
I am deeply saddened by your loss of Bud. He was a giant of a man with a giant heart. I feel like I have known both of you and Bud forever. You are very, very special to me and I feel very blessed to know you and to have known Bud. Bud reminded me a lot of my own father who was so very special to me. Bud was a gentle man and a gentleman. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Love, Mary Gordon
Bud always held a special place in the heart of the Hughes family. He was admired for his quiet strength and humility, his gentle kindness, and as some one you could always count on. The world was a better place because of Bud Larson.
Gwen, Mike & Jill: Sure sorry to learn of Bud’s death. He was a good, gentleman for sure. Not sure we can make it to the service. But, if don’t will surely be there in thoughts and prayers.
Think “our Jill” was working one of her few days last Saturday, so sorry she didn’t make connection with you.
Jill, So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and Ed. If there is anything we can do please give us a call.
Steve and Mary Jones
Gwen and family,
We are saddened to hear of Uncle Bud’s passing.
We are comforted of the promise to be reunited someday.
Keeping y’all so close in our hearts and prayers.
Our love,
Marc, Paula and Paige
Gwen
So sorry to hear of your loss. Bud was such a loving kind person.