Dr. Desmond Orin Larson
February 17, 1922 — November 18, 2013
Dr. Desmond Larson
Richfield, Utah
Dr. Desmond Orin Larson, OD, 91, passed away November 18, 2013 at his home in Richfield. He was born February 17, 1922 in Baker, Oregon to Orin L and Mina Gilkinson Larson. He married Wilda Wells, June 4, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Desmond served in the US Army in Europe during WWII. He practiced optometry for 40 years in Richfield.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he served in many positions, including: bishopric, stake mission president, Sevier Stake presidency, scout leader and genealogist. He also served in the Dallas Temple mission with his wife, served in the Manti Temple for 12 years, and as a life-time, faithful home teacher.
He also served as president of the Richfield JayCees and Richfield Rotary Clubs and was a member of the Sons of Utah pioneers. A scouting enthusiast, he received Scouting’s Silver Beaver Award and served as vice-president of the Utah National Parks Council and BSA. He was a member of the Utah Optometric Association.
Survived by his wife of 67 years, Wilda; children: Dennis (Margie) Larson, Richfield; Ellen (Wayne) Laccoarce, Orem; Brian (Susan) Larson, Vacaville, CA; Gary W. (Joni) Larson, Salt Lake City; Lisa (Ron) Brown, Draper; Layne D. Larson, Draper; 25 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren; sisters: Carol McDonald, Sequim, WA; Nona Hakanson, Troutdale, OR.
Preceded in death by parents; grandsons: Brennan Larson and Michael Laccoarce; great-granddaughter, Addie Larson; sister, Elma Wankier.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 12:00 Noon in the Richfield 9th Ward Chapel, 159 North 400 West. Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, and Saturday at the ward chapel from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery with military rites by the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050 and Utah Honor Guard. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com
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