Robert Lee Larson Sr.

Robert, known all his life as Bob (except by his sister who has always referred to him as “Robert Lee”), was born on March 31st,1931 to Dorothy Dunning and Anton Larson in Newton, Iowa. He had five brothers, all of whom preceded him in death, and one sister, Louise (Anderson), who resides in Tucson, AZ. He was raised in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1949. Joining the Air force in 1950, he served for 3 yrs. during the Korean conflict with remote duty in Greenland. Upon return from duty, he enrolled in Texas Christian University and became the president of his fraternity. He married Wanda, a girl he had known all his life, in 1957 and began working for Champlin Oil Company. Soon he had a son whom he named Robert Jr. Returning to Newton, he worked for Jasper Bank and added a daughter, Sandra, in 1962. In 1965, he moved to California where he continued to work in various banking endeavors, rising to the position of vice president by the time of his retirement. Throughout his life he was involved in many civic organizations and enjoyed public speaking in the Toastmasters organization. After retirement he moved to be close to family in Oregon and also fulfilled his life-long desire to finish his college degree, graduating from George Fox University in 1998. He married Nancy Mills in 1999 and became very active in community service in Newberg. He participated in Habitat for Humanity, served on the local school board and held a position as a city councilman for 4 yrs. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of personal finance by helping to counsel many struggling young couples. He was active in his church and enjoyed attending many activities that centered around his beloved alma mater. He graduated to heaven after a brief heart ailment on August 20th, 2016 following several years of decline due to dementia. He is survived by his wife Nancy, son Robert (Andrea) Larson of Silverton, Oregon, daughter ,Sandra (John) Little, of Arizona City, Arizona, stepson Justus (Brenda) Mills Of Happy Valley Oregon, stepdaughter Paula ( Dennis - deceased ) Mills of Canby, Oregon, stepdaughter Carla(Mike) Norton , of Boise, Idaho, 8 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for Sept. 10th at 11;00 a.m. at the West Chehalem Friends Church. There will be a private military interment ceremony at Willamette National Cemetery for family members on September 12th.

Robert Lee Larson Sr.

March 31, 1931 - August 20, 2016