Ronald D. Larson September 9, 1958 – June 12, 2010
Ronald D. Larson was born September 9, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Carl H. and Beverly J. (Searl) Larson. He passed away in Liberty, Missouri on June 12, 2010 at the age of 51 years.
Ron lived in Knoxville, Iowa until 1966 when his family moved to Mount Ayr, Iowa where his father was employed by the telephone company. In 1972 the family moved again to Bedford, Iowa.
Ron lived most of his adult life in Bedford, where he graduated from Bedford high school in 1977. While in high school he lettered in marching and concert bands and also choir. He also helped manage the wrestling team as well as performed in school plays.
Ron was probably best known for fish. He spent 11 years helping Randy Beemer and family with Beemer Fisheries. Not only did he help out in the office dealing with customers in person or on the phone but he would also accompany Randy on numerous trips delivering fish all over the Midwest. He especially enjoyed setting up the demonstration booth for Beemer’s Fisheries at the Iowa State Fair.
Ron was a member of the Bedford chapter of the Sons of The American Legion, his father being a veteran of World War II. Ron and mother Beverly were past members of the Ringgold County Singers in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Ron was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed working with young people as a DNR gun safety instructor. He enjoyed shooting clay pigeons at the trap shoot meets at the Bedford Airport. In earlier years he bowled league in Grant City, Missouri.
One of Ron’s greatest enjoyments was aircraft. He never missed a chance to travel to the Offutt Air Force Base open house and air show and attended other shows in Saint Joseph and Kansas City. He loved watching the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels perform and also enjoyed the flights of the restored planes of the World War II era. In past years he was a member of the Nebraska Squadron of the Confederate Air Force. If you ever wondered what kind of plane was flying overhead or parked at any airport, chances are Ron could tell you right away without having to look in any of the many books he collected on airplanes.
Ron was preceded in death by both parents. He is survived by two brothers, Jim of Grant City, Missouri and Richard, of Mount Ayr, Iowa; nephews, Carlin Larson of Grant City, Missouri and Bobby Findley of Clearmont, Missouri; uncle, Robert Larson (Jerry) of Lakewood, Colorado; aunt, Elaine Myers (Jack) of Albia, Iowa; three cousins, and many friends.
Ron was all heart and touched the hearts of many people and will be dearly missed.
The body has been cremated and a memorial service will be Friday, July 9, at 7 p.m. in Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa. Visitation is held from 5 to 7 p.m. with services to follow and interment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be sent to the Ronald Larson Memorial in care of Ritchie Funeral Home, 1406 Madison Avenue, Bedford, Iowa 50833.
