LYONS — Jessie LaVern Larkin, 81, of Lyons, passed away April 21, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society, Lyons. He was born Dec. 29, 1936 in North Loup, Neb., the son of Roy Eugene and Leora Cox Larkin. Jessie has resided in Lyons since 2015, formerly of Ottawa, Kan., where he resided for 23 years. He was a heavy construction operator and truck driver for Miami County Co-op retiring in 2000.
Jessie served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1955 until being honorably discharged in 1958. He was a member of the 1st Infantry Division “Big Red One.” On March 9, 1957, Jessie was united in marriage with Patsy Lewallen in Great Bend, Kan.. She preceded him in death on Nov. 2, 2013.
He is also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Stanley, Johnny, Robert and Richard; sisters, Edna Szafrajda, Melva Thomas, Royetta Cosner, Effie Blair and Viola Leith. He is survived by his son, Darrell Larkin of Ottawa, Kan.; daughters, Sharon Larkin of Plattsburgh, N.Y. and Peggy Larkin of Chase, Kan..; grandchildren, Jessica Larkin of Lawrence, Kan. and Benjamin Larkin of Ottawa, Kan.; and great grandchild, Alexander Hinton.
Graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 26, 2018 at Pleasant View Cemetery, Claflin with Rev. Larry Schumacher officiating. Military Honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 8 to 10 a.m., Thursday, April 26, 2018 at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons. Memorials can be made to Jessie L. Larkin Memorial Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Birzer Funeral Home
214 West Ave S.
Lyons, KS 67554
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 24, 2018