July 21, 1939 – Nov. 13, 2009
Nels "Chris" Christian Larsen Jr. passed away on Nov. 13, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family after battling cancer for 13 years.
Graveside services will be conducted Friday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. at the Fowler Cemetery with Rev. Tom Dudley, pastor of Swink and Cheraw United Methodist Churches officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Griffy Family Funeral Home in Fowler.
Mr. Larsen was born on July 21, 1939, in Fowler to Nels and Elaine Larsen. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Baker, on June 6, 1959 in Fowler. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June.
The Larsens settled in La Junta where they raised three children, including two sons, Scott (Wendy) Larsen of Swink and Sam (Roxanne) Larsen of Murphy, Texas, and one daughter, Shaw (James) Japhet of Las Animas. In addition to his children, Mr. Larsen, he is also survived by nine grandchildren: Kelsey, Cara and Rhett, Jenalle, Jade and Joshua, and Eddie, Cody and Jennifer. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Luella Baker, sister-in-law, Darlene Barr, brother-in-law, Jerry (Vicki) Baker and sister Beverly (Pat) Byrne, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Larsen was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Harold Baker, formerly of Fowler.
Mr. Larsen served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962, two of thos years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La. He worked with NIBCO for 25 years, then continued in his trade for 18 years, moving to the states of Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi, working for two other copper manufacturers. He retired from Mueller Industries in 2003, then returned to the Fowler area. In addition to his biggest passion of watching his grandchildren is their activitie, he enjoyed model airplanes, woodworking, camping and fishing. He volunteered with the Otero County Sheriff's Posse and coached Little League in La Junta.
In spite of his many health issues, Mr. Larsen always had a positive outlook and maintained the greatest attitude.
The family prefers memorials be sent in his name to Arkansas Valley Hospice, and can be sent in care of the Griffy Family Funeral Home in Fowler, which is in charge of arrangements.
