Gordon Larson

Gordon Vaughn "Sam" Larson, 87, of Humboldt, Kansas, died Thursday, October 21, 2010, at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Humboldt. Gordon was born September 13, 1923, in Chanute, Kansas, the son of Harold and Ina (Vaughn) Larson. He grew up in the Petrolia and Iola areas and graduated from Iola High School in 1942. He served as a Merchant Marine during World War II. In October of 1944, Gordon married Jacquelene Gifford Ronsick. They had two daughters before they divorced in 1964. Later, he was married to Nancy Pratt from 1967 to 1980 before they were divorced. He has made his home in Humboldt, Lincoln, NE, Fergus Falls, MN, Minot,ND and after retirement he moved to the Chanute/Petrolia area to be near his father. Gordon has worked for an oil company, as a railroad track inspector, for Goodyear Tire, Elgin Watch Company, Singer Sewing Machine Company, as an independent telephone cable splicer and then for Northern States Power Telephone Company in Minot for over 20 years before he retired. He was a member of the American Legion in Chanute, Kansas. Gordon was a pilot and flew the family from place to place. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, canoeing and hiking. He raised parakeets and tropical fish and was a "COLLECTOR" who enjoyed tinkering around with radios, clocks and other appliances. SURVIVORS: 2 Daughters: Bonita Larson Baker of Humboldt, KS and Marcelle DeVon Miller & husband, Ron of Coeur d'Alene, ID 2 Grandchildren: Shawn Pepper & wife, Summer of Yorba Linda, CA and PaviElle Browning & husband, Michael of Stevensville, MT He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Larson. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held in Humboldt in November, date pending. Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .