Richard Lavern Larson, 93, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born September 9, 1931 in Douglas, Arizona, Richard was the oldest son of Dora Beecroft and Lavernal Larson. He returns to Heaven to be reunited with his parents, as well as siblings Dordene, Carol, and Jeanette; and is survived by his brother, James.

Richard is survived by his eternal sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Pauline Huish; two children: Michael and Diane; and seven grandchildren: Zachary, Spencer, Alec, Nessa, Grant, Mia, and Xander; and great-granddaughter, Evelyn.

Out of high school, Richard enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant as an air control specialist. A highlight of his military service was witnessing the detonation of the hydrogen bomb at a test site in the Marshall Islands.

Following military service, Richard served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Buenos Aires, Argentina region.

He later graduated from Arizona State University in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, he worked as an auditor for the Arizona Dept. of Transportation and several state government agencies until retirement.

Richard loved the outdoors, the scriptures, the Constitution, a good cowboy movie, vanilla ice cream, attending and serving in the Mesa Arizona Temple, and alongside his wife Pauline, encouraged his children and grandchildren to build their lives on a foundation of faith, make sacred covenants with God, and focus on the Savior Jesus Christ. Most of all, he loved spending quality time with his family and making memories.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday February 8, 2025. Join us for a 9:00am viewing and 10:00am funeral service at the Latter-day Saint chapel located at 14439 E Pecos Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297. (On pecos between Val Vista and Lindsay Rd) The Interment service will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Monday February 10, 2025 at 10:30am, located at 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85024.