Robert W. Larson

Robert W. Larson, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on June 1, 2017. He passed peacefully at home with his daughter, Barbara, and his beloved dog, Emma, by his side. His quick wit and sense of humor remained with him until the end.

Bob was born on April 10, 1926, in McKeesport, Pa. to Elmer F. and Lillian B. Williams Larson. He graduated from McKeesport Vocational High School in 1944. He later attended Bethany College and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

He proudly served his country in World War II, enlisting at the age of 17, prior to his high school graduation. He initially served with the U.S. Navy and then was transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Marine Division, where he served as a Combat Medic in the Pacific Theater through the end of World War II and the Occupation of Japan. It was during this time, while serving in Okinawa and Nagasaki, that he earned the nickname “Doc.”

In 1950, Bob met the love of his life, Joanne, when he was a choir director and she was an alto in the Barcy Memorial Choir. They were married on July 12, 1952 and spent 63 wonderful years together.

He worked for 35 years in the Engineering Department of U.S. Steel Irvin Works. Upon retirement in 1984, he and Joanne moved to Fountain Hills, where Bob began a second career with Calcomp/Lockheed-Martin. After retirement from Calcomp, he worked security for Mayo Clinic Scottsdale.

Bob was never one to sit still and was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars #7507, American Legion #58, Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church, member and past president of the Fountain Hills Men’s Club, 50-year member of the McKeesport Lodge #641 F&AM, member and Past Grand Tall Cedar for Al-O-Mon Forest #138, and choir director for several organizations throughout the years.

Bob had a strong desire to help keep alive the history and memory of World War II and became a founding member of the Veterans in the Classroom program. He was a featured veteran in the Arizona Heritage Project and had his story placed in the Library of Congress, and he was part of a contingent of World War II veterans traveling with the Arizona Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2011.

Bob was also an avid gardener with a green thumb who enjoyed listening to Diamondbacks baseball games on the radio in his backyard. He loved to travel, taking more than 70 trips with family and friends over the years – he considered a trip to Tahiti for his 50th anniversary, where he and Joanne renewed their vows, to be the pinnacle.

Bob is survived by his son, Robert P. Larson (Caroline) of Windber, Pa.; daughter, Barbara J. Kraus (Michael “Mick” Durazo) of Fountain Hills; and his best friend, sidekick, and precious granddaughter, Jessica J. Kraus of Simsbury, Conn.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, L. Joanne Larson. A joint service for Bob and Joanne Larson will be held at Messinger Mortuary Fountain Hills on Saturday, June 17 at 11 a.m.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care during both Bob and Joanne’s final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley.