Vaughn William Larson

Our kind and brave dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend, Vaughn William Larson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his sweetheart and loving family on July 20, 2024, from a short but aggressive battle with cancer. Dad had just turned a young 86 but his recent health took the best of him. 

Dad was born to Raymond Parley Larson and Ann Giles Larson on June 1, 1938. He was the youngest of 3 children with Keith Larson and Leah Edgel. He grew up on the family farm in Morgan. He loved being with his father and had a deep love for their shared garden. 

Dad graduated from Morgan High School in 1956 and would have had his 68th class reunion next month. He then served a mission in the North Central States Mission where he met his sweetheart Janice Luan Anderson. They were married September 16, 1960, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with 5 wonderful children.

Dad attended Weber State, and Utah State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. He was a weekend warrior in the Utah National Guard for 6+ years and was honorably discharged in 1963.

Mom and Dad resided in Morgan until 1963 while dad taught 5th grade in the Weber School District. They then moved to Minnesota where he taught 5th grade in Champlin for 3 years. After they returned to Morgan, he taught in the Weber School District again for a short time and then moved to the Morgan School District. He taught 34 years in Elementary, then moved to High School and ended in Middle School teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grades until he retired in 1996. 

During the breaks of teaching school, Dad always did random jobs to make ends meet. He did various things such as spraying weeds for the county, building and painting at the school and care taking at the Round Valley Golf Course. Dad was always busy whether at work, or home in the yard and garden, or just tinkering with his crafts and hobbies. He was a hard worker and taught his children and others by his amazing example.

Dad served in several civic responsibilities during his life. He was a Morgan City Councilman, and Justice Court Judge for 17 years. He was also a prominent member of the local Sons of the Utah Pioneers and served as President of the local chapter as well as Vice President of the national chapter.

Dad had a life-long love for music! During our years of growing up, Dad was part of a Barbershop Quartet and we enjoyed listening to them when they would practice at our home. They performed at various community events and in State Fair competitions. Dad and his sweetheart loved to dance and would get their groove on any time they could. We all enjoyed watching them together.

Dad was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints his entire life. He served as a Councilor in 2 bishoprics, as a High Council member, taught Gospel doctrine, and other various callings. The most rewarding calling was being able to serve with his loving wife Janice, in the Singapore Mission from 2001-2003. They were serving in Pakistan at the time of 9/11 and were quickly returned to the mission home where they could be kept safe. Mom and Dad also served as temple workers in the Ogden Temple for 6 years.

Dad enjoyed camping, hunting, gardening, and leather and woodwork. He took pride in keeping everything in mint condition.

Dad also volunteered at the McKay-Dee Hospital and did several projects for humanitarian services.

Dad will be missed and is survived by his sweetheart Janice of 64 years, along with his 5 children: Kelly (Robert) Pulliam, David (Tina), Janae (Blane) Smith, Todd (Audrey), Rachelle (Kevin) Kaumeyer. 22 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Ann Larson, brother Keith Larson, sister Leah Edgel, in-laws Donald and Grace Anderson, and daughter-in-law Tina Larson. As well as 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday August 2, 2024, at 11 am in the Rock Church (10 W Young Street, Morgan, UT). Viewings will be held Thursday, August 1, at the Walker Mortuary (45 W 200 N St. Morgan, UT) from 6 to 8 pm and Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 am at the church prior to the services.

Interment will follow at the Milton Cemetery with full military honors.