Obituary of Bruce Larson

Bruce Noel Larson, 72, of Romney, West Virginia, left his earthly home on February 13, 2014. He was born on December 31, 1941 in Clay Center, Kansas to Ernest W. and Esther (Pommerenke) Larson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Roxanne King; and father and mother-in-law, Milton and Hazel Christian, Lindsborg, Kansas. He was a Methodist by faith. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda, of Romney; daughter and son-in-law Syri and Randy Tegethoff, and grandchildren Christian Sport, Liberty Marie, and Larson Noah, all of Newton, Kansas. He also leaves behind a brother, Ernest W. (Bill) Larson, Jr. and wife Betty of Powder Springs, Georgia; sisters-in-law Sharon Aderman and husband Jim of Topeka, Kansas; Mary Stewart and husband Wayne of Bella Vista, Arkansas; brother-in-law Frank King of Eugene, Oregon. Other survivors include special nephews and nieces Bill, Wesley and Michael Larson, Matt and Tim King, Jeff Aderman, April Aderman Holman, Nathan Stewart, Craig Stewart, and Brenna Stewart DuBois. Bruce graduated from Clay County Community High School in 1959 and Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, with a degree in History in 1972, following an enlistment with the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, Subic Bay, Philippines and Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone. Following discharge, Bruce and his family returned to Lindsborg, Kansas and then Sabetha, Kansas, working for Government Services Administration. He transferred to Romney, West Virginia in 1974 and worked for Veteran's Affairs as a Communications Specialist. He retired from VA at Martinsburg, West Virginia in 1995. He was a kind and gentle man who was a supportive, understanding, loving husband, true helpmate and best friend to his wife. He was an adoring father to his daughter, and proud and doting grandfather. Bruce's life experiences were multi-faceted, and he always had a story to tell. One of his favorite summer jobs was as a horse wrangler in Colorado. He was an athlete, sporting goods salesman, master of trivia, excellent cook, fisherman, tennis coach, golfer, and a classical music lover. He tried basket weaving, bottle digging, and metal detecting. His interest in antiques led him to yard sales, flea markets and auctions. His genial manner enabled him to make many friends and he was genuinely touched by their support and concerns. He dealt with his health issues with courage and a calm strength, never complaining or letting others know of his struggles. He deeply appreciated all those in the medical field who gave so much effort on his behalf. He was truly blessed to have been treated by some of the best doctors and most compassionate nurses at Johns Hopkins and especially Western Maryland Health System during his final days. Our grateful thanks to all. Friends will be received on Tues., Feb. 18 from 5 to 7PM at the Shaffer Funeral Home in Romney, West Virginia. Interment will be March 1, 10:00 a.m. at Elmwood Cemetery, Lindsborg and a memorial service following at 11:00 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Lindsborg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to a charity that promotes healing for children or provides veterans a chance to rebuild their lives; St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Wounded Warriors, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or American Cancer Society in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington, PO Box 386, Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com As his nephew Nathan stated, he was and is "…a giant in size and spirit…" and he will be sorely missed. " We became one hand, one heart." -Your Loving Wife