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Russell Jean Larkin
Russell J. Larkin passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2013. He was 91. Russ was born November 6, 1922 in St. Louis, Missouri., the son of Russell Victor Larkin and Florence Jeanne Rossi Larkin. He was a 1940 graduate of Shortridge High School, Indianapolis, Indiana and the University of Missouri, Columbia. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and a president of its chapter at Mizzou graduating with a BA degree in February 1947. He was a captain in the Air Force and served as a reconnaissance intelligence officer (1943-1946) with the 8th and 9th Air Forces in Europe during World War II and with the Tactical Air Command during the Korean War (1950-1952).
He was co-owner and editor of The Odessan newspaper, Odessa, Missouri from July 1948 thru June 1949. He then joined the fundraising firm of Thomas Richard Finn and Associates, Kansas City from 1954-1965, as a senior campaign director and general manager. He brought his family to Lawrence, Kansas in November 1965 to work with the Kansas University Endowment Association. Later he was an accounting supervisor with Farmland Industries, Lawrence, Kansas retiring in late 1984. He was a life member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society and the 7th Photo Reconnaissance Group Association. He was a Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite and Ararat Shrine.
He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Military Officers Association of America, the Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg, the American Air Museum in Britain, the Cato Institute, the National Rifle Association, First Christian Church, and one of the early members of Alvamar Country Club, starting in 1968.
Russ enjoyed camping, fishing, golf, woodworking, steam trains and history. Coming from three previous generations of printers he continued printing as a hobby in retirement. He was blessed by marrying Harriet Sue Mattingly on Feb 7, 1954. He is survived by Harriet (of Tavares, FL) and children Carolyn Chancellor and husband Jim (Clermont, FL), Lisa Keel and husband Greg (Raleigh, NC) and Lance Larkin (Denver, CO), five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Mike Conley Hospice House, Clermont, Florida. Please leave condolences at Warren-McElwain online at www.warrenmcelwain.com.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
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4 Entries
Harriet and Family, we were saddened to hear of your loss. What a treasure and and inspiration Russ was to have as a neighbor. As we age, we are reminded of his steadfast determination to "use it or lose it". Russ always had something clever or appropriate to add to the situation. He never offended anyone with his point of view. He bore his illness with dignity. We know he has earned this rest. But we know you will all miss him. Our deepest sympathy, Eric and Rebecca Nielsen
December 5, 2013
May the family and friends allow God Almighty to comfort you all, in your time bereavement Isaiah 61:2. Continue to cherish the wonderful memories you all shared as they become more precious in the days to come.
December 2, 2013
Harriet and family,
Our thoughts and prayer are with you during this difficult time. Miss you
Darrel and Julie Spain.
December 1, 2013
So sorry to read this. We still greatly miss you both in Lawrence, but feel good that you have settled so nicely into a loving community in Florida. Harriet, take care of yourself and know that loving wishes are coming your way!
Judy Heller
December 1, 2013
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