Don Larson

Donald Warren Larson (78) was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Don spent his childhood and teenage years residing in East Denver with his parents, Mabel & Gustaf Larson, older Sister and Brother, Doris and Gus. Don was always busy doing something. As a young boy and into adulthood, he loved making people laugh. He was a bit of a jokester and loved teasing everyone. He had a mathematical mind and mechanical skills. As a young boy, Don's first job was working as a paper carrier for The Denver Post, riding his bike, he worked hard and saved every dime he could. At 16, he went to work for Server All Parts Company. Don was also in the Boy Scouts of America. Along with his father and brother, all three obtained the highest honor of becoming an Eagle Scout. Don graduated from East High School and loved to tease about being such an ""Angel"" ....he was especially proud and excited when his youngest granddaughter, Jessica also attended and graduated from East High School as an ""Angel"" too!! As a teen and young adult, he enjoyed swimming, skiing, ice skating, and drive-in movies! In 1953 Don successfully completed a recruit-airman course from the Department of The Navy Service School. He met his wife, Marylynn in 1954, and they were married in 1957. They honeymooned in New York and Niagara Falls and then moved to San Francisco, CA. where Don attended the City College of San Francisco for one year. While attending school, Don also started working for the Fuller Brush Company. In 1958 their first child, Karen, was born. Before the year had past, the new family would move back home, to Colorado, as Don's fathers health was failing. Once back in Colorado, Don was able to continue working for the Fuller Brush Company where he soon learned, he had a wonderful ability to sell anything! His career as a full time, self-employed salesman, would span well over 40 years, before he would semi-retire. Don & Marylynn, bought their New and existing home, January 1959, in Southwest Denver. In 1960 their second child, Greg, was born. While Don worked hard, he always made time for his family. Don and Marylynn enjoyed many years volunteering with their children's scouting troops. Don became Scout Master of his sons Pack 365. He enjoyed teaching swimming. Don, along with his Father, donated time each summer to The Denver Post Opera, working with the make-up crew. He loved playing card games and enjoyed bringing in the New Year, celebrating each New Year Eve's with friends and family!! Also, enjoyed many day trips to the beautiful Colorado mountains, as well as many car trips throughout the United States. Always stopping to see any ""Fort(s)"" they could find and one ""Museum"" along the way! Don and Marylynn raised their family and watched their children grow into wonderful parents and were blessed with three grandchildren, Michael Larson, Jennifer Larson and Jessica Waggoner. Don felt blessed to have his family so close. Don's childhood home was purchased by his Daughter, Karen where she currently resides with her husband, Mike and Don's youngest granddaughter, Jessica. Greg and his wife, Debbie reside in Lakewood, as well as Don's grandson, Michael and granddaughter, Jennifer, who each have their own homes in Lakewood. Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marylynn, his daughter Karen (Mike), his son Greg (Debbie), grandchildren Michael 28, Jennifer 26 and Jessica 19. Sister Doris Hackworth, Sister-in-Law Cathy Larson, Nephew(s); Jim Hackworth (Linda), Steve Larson (Janelle), Niece(s); Joan Grady (Leonard), Linda Hoffman (Rob), Susan Stone (Steve), Kristen White (Tim), Great Niece(s) and Nephew(s); Great-Great Niece(s) and Nephew(s). Preceded in death by; Brother; Gustaf Alfred Larson III, nephew; G.A. Larson, Brother-in-law; Bill Smilanic, Sister-in-law; Judy Smilanic, Brother-in-Law; Ted Hackworth and nephew; Jason Smilanic. Don was a loving and devoted father, grandfather and husband. His family was always his first and last priority. He was an honest, hard working provider. Don and Marylynn happily celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this past April. We will all miss his wit and ability to light up a room with his genuine love and sense of humor. We are all blessed to have known and loved him. Rest in Peace My Love, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Please share your memories of Don and condolences with his family by signing the guest book.