Gene Roy LARSON, the only beloved son of Roy Lester LARSON and Minnie May (BAKER) LARSON, was born September 17, 1924, in their home in Knowlton, Iowa. He departed this life in the Clearview Nursing Home of Mount Ayr, Iowa at the age of 77 on November 18, 2001, after a sudden illness.

Gene lived in Knowlton, Creston and Des Moines, Iowa with his parents and they returned to farming in the Knowlton area until 1942. They then moved to the Mount Ayr area present farming operation which continues today.

Gene was united in marriage to his loving wife, Anna Margaret HOGUE, on August 12, 1945, in the Wishard Chapel Church of which they belonged to for several years. They were the first couple married at the church.

To this union was born three children: Kathleen Annette LARSON BLUNCK and twin sons, Thomas Russell and John Roy LARSON.

Gene was a very generous and caring person to his children and grandchildren and was so proud of all their accomplishments. He loved life and loved to watch things grow and produce.

His church was a very important part of his life. He was a very dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Mount Ayr. He served the church in many capacities as an usher, Sunday school teacher, of which he has had perfect attendance for many years, a deacon, and he assisted wherever needed. Many remember the time he put a song book on the seat before they knew it and sat on it.

He was a special person who loved farming with his father and his sons. Gardening was a joy to him and he loved sharing his melons and sweet corn with many. If his friends found a filled bag with garden things, they knew Gene had been there. Many remember Gene for his great sense of humor and always telling little poems and stories and pulling funny tricks. Many enjoyed just standing and having a great visit with Gene.

He told his three-month-old great-grandson, Brett SWANEY, about the five little squirrelies up in a tree while being videoed on Halloween evening. It was that way with all his children and grandchildren that he told all the stories and poems.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Ann of 56 years, daughter Kathleen and husband Bill BLUNCK, and sons, Tom and wife Debra and John and wife Diana, all of Mount Ayr; six grandchildren: Annette (BLUNCK) SWANEY and husband Jason of Bedford, Iowa, Traci (LARSON) KNOLL and husband Will of St. Charles, Iowa, Bill BLUNCK of Scottsdale, Arizona, Angela RIGGS of Ames, Iowa, Hans and Logan LARSON of Mount Ayr; and one great-grandson, Brett William SWANEY, of Bedford.

The funeral services were held Wednesday, November 21, 2001 at the First Baptist Church in Mount Ayr with Pastor Carmen ZEITLER officiating. Musicians were Nancy SACKETT on organ and piano and Carol Ann McCREARY and Barbie BELZER singing "How Great Thou Art," "Amazing Grace" and "Heavenly Sunshine."

Casket bearers were grandsons, Bill BLUNCK, Hans LARSON and Logan LARSON, nephew Jim McCREARY, cousin Mark TRIGGS and church friend, Fred SHIELDS.

Family and visitation night was held Tuesday evening, November 20, 2001 at Wilson-Watson & Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr.

Gene was laid to rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.

SOURCE: genealogybuff.com

Transciption by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2010

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