Hancock County Journal-Pilot
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
September 15, 2004CARL W. LARSON
April 2, 1934 -- Sept. 7, 2004
Carl Williams Larson, 70, of Quincy, died Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2004, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
He was born April 2, 1934, in Tennessee, the son of John and Mildred Larson. He married Julia Ferguson on Jan. 1, 1956, at the Appanoose Presbyterian Church near Niota.
He is survived by two sons, Michael (Laurie) Larson of Bozeman, Mont., and Mark (Martha) Larson of Macomb; five grandchildren, Keely, Kamryn, Jonathan, Jordan, and Mikael; his mother, Mildred Larson of Carthage; one sister, Lynn (Merill) Pollock of Prophetstown; two brothers, Donald Larson and David (Karen) Larson of Carthage; one niece, Shannon; four nephews, Shawn, Shay, Bradley and Randy.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Larson.
He grew up in Hancock County participating in many activities typical of rural Illinois and working hard on the farm with his brothers and their father. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1952 where he was a gifted athlete. He excelled in both football (co-captain of senior team) and basketball for the Carthage Blueboys. He was well liked by classmates and friends throughout his life. He attended Western Illinois University in 1952 and 1953 before volunteering for the armed services in 1954, serving in Korea and Hawaii and receiving honorable discharge on Oct. 20, 1955.
Following his military duties, he returned to western Illinois. He engaged in several occupations including farming, agricultural services, and construction, primarily in Hancock County. In 1971, he became a resident of the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, where he spent his remaining years. He worked many jobs at the Veterans Home and, as no surprise, was very popular around the campus with friends and staff. He loved to play pool and could handily beat just about anyone he played. He was an avid Cub fan and card player. He also enjoyed dancing.
He was a regular member of the All Faith Chapel at the Illinois Veterans Home. His unforgettable attributes were his ability to respect people and give the gift of his friendship. He will always be remembered as a man who possessed a heart as big as the ocean with unparalleled generosity traits. Although a man of few words, he stressed to his sons that there were two categories of people in this world, "amateurs and professionals." Strive to be a professional.
Funeral services were held Sept. 11, at the Burnside Christian Church. Pastor Charles Ferguson officiated. Burial followed in the McKay Cemetery near Burnside.
Memorials and flowers may be sent to the Illinois Veterans Home Activity Center, Attn: Joan Rhea, 1707 N. 12th, Quincy, Ill., 62301-1397.
HCJP 9-15-04
