Dedicated family man and proud WWII veteran, Verno Ferris Larson returned to his Heavenly Father on April 4, 2022 in Cedar City, Utah. He was born in Lehi, Utah on December 5, 1924, to Verno Ellis and Rachel Anderson Larson. His family included brothers John and Donald and sisters Kathleen, Anita, Nancy and Lynette.
His early years were spent in Ruth, Nevada and Moroni and Clearfield, Utah. He graduated from Davis High in 1943. Shortly after graduation, he joined the army with the intent to fly. It wasn’t long before he did just that. During training, he flew several WWII aircraft, including the P-38 and B-17. One of his training flights ended with an emergency landing of their B-29 in a Midwest wheat field. He was ultimately assigned to be a B-29 Bomber pilot. He served in the Pacific, even flying low level reconnaissance over the aftermath of the atomic bombs in Japan. After the war, he was stationed in the Philippines and for a time served in the Air Force Reserves flying the F-80, which was one of the first jet aircraft. He loved the United States Constitution, freedom and his time in military service with his whole heart.
Music always played an important part of his life. He was an accomplished musician, especially in his mastery of the violin. He enjoyed sharing his talent with others and playing gave him peace while he was stationed in the Pacific during his military service.
His post high school education happened at Weber College, the University of Utah and Northrop. He was educated as an aerospace engineer. He lived for several years in Southern California while he worked in the aerospace industry. He also worked for Boeing at Issaquah, WA.
He married Celia Vasquez in 1947. Two daughters, Deborah and Pamela, were born to this union. He married Barbara Jean Williams in 1960. They were married for 50 years. They enjoyed traveling to Australia and England together to visit Barbara’s family. After Barbara’s passing, he married Lettis Marie Anderson McGary in 2011. Following Marie’s death, he married Janet Baumgart Larson in 2018. After his sister-in-law Janet became his wife, he became more than uncle to his nieces and nephews. He had the new titles of Gruncle and Duncle. He loved all of the family he gained from his marriages later in life and quickly fit right in.
He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Although he was not an active member for many years, he never lost his faith and testimony. He frequently shared about the many times that he knew he was spared death due to divine intervention. After he returned to church activity in his mid eighties, he entered the temple for the first time. From that point forward, he attended the temple weekly until he or his wife were no longer physically able to do so. He had a special place in his heart for the Prosser, Washington Ward and its members. He was often asked to substitute teach the Gospel Doctrine class. He loved these opportunities. He did not shy away from sharing his faith and his love for Jesus Christ.
Verno Ferris Larson was a thrifty, brilliant world traveler that could tell stories, most of them about his own life, that kept you on the edge of your seat. He was a gentleman, protective caregiver, comedian and patriot. Count yourself lucky if you ever had the chance to cross his path or listen to him recount one of his adventures. If you are one of the many friends that he made throughout the country and world, you know you hit the jackpot.
He is survived by his wife Janet, sister Lynette Swapp and many other family and friends that love him.
Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022, 11:00 am at the Prosser, WA Cemetery. A reception will follow at The Church of Latter-Day Saints in Prosser.
Arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary and Prosser Funeral Home and Crematory.
You may leave a message for the family at www.prosserfuneralhome.com