Brigadier General Fred N. Larson “Headed West” January 1, 2012
Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. A man who “stayed the course”, General Fred Larson was a natural leader and faithful patriot. With an encouraging word or a friendly smile his outlook was positive. What made General Larson such a great leader was the way he encouraged people to do their best. No dream unattainable. No goal out of reach.
A man selfless in nature, and committed to God, family, and country, Brigadier General Fred N Larson USAF (Retired) of Lexington, Ohio passed away January 1st, 2012 after a courageous six month battle with Leukemia.
Born December 25, 1940, in Lodi, Ohio to the late Elmer and Dorothy (Linscott) Larson. Fred graduated from Wadsworth High School and attended Ohio University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management. In 1984 he also graduated from The U.S. Army War College.
As young children, Fred Larson and Sheila Hall were neighbors and friends. It wasn’t until college they began dating. They were blessed with 48 years of marriage and two wonderful children. He was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed golf, woodworking, sailing, and fishing for perch in Lake Erie.
General Larson was commissioned in the USAF and the Ohio Air National Guard in 1963, earning his wings Dec 1964. He attended F-100 training at Luke AFB, AZ and then returned to the 164th Fighter Squadron to fly the F-84. He subsequently flew the F-100 and C-130. Fred quickly moved into numerous staff positions including Chief of Safety, where he was awarded the Outstanding Flight Safety Officer in Tactical Air Command in 1970. Ultimately he was selected to command the 179th Tactical Airlift Wing from 1986 through 1995. He became Director of Operations, Headquarters Ohio Air National Guard and was promoted to Brigadier General prior to his retirement in December 1998.
General Larson was a member of the Super Saber Society. Fred was always very involved in the community. For several years Fred had been a member of the Lexington Kiwanis and President 1975/76. He was a member and former President of Shadow Flight, previous board member and Chairman of Richland County United Way, member of the Order of Daedalians, member of the Am Vets Post 26, and the town of Lexington bestowed upon him by proclamation “Colonel Fred Larson Day”, July 11, 1995. During the Base Realignment and Closure Process, Fred was instrumental in saving a flying mission for the 179th Air Wing.
Fred was a member of United Methodist Church of the Cross Lexington. He is survived by his loving wife Sheila (Hall) Larson, son Nils and daughter in law Shelley, Larson of Lexington, daughter Kristen Larson of Sacramento CA, brothers Dr. Jon, wife Carolyn, Larson of Cincinnati, Dr. Roy Larson of Wadsworth, and a niece and numerous nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday evening January 6th at the United Methodist Church of the Cross. Burial with full military honors was held at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
Contributions can be made to Mansfield Lahm Military Families, 2503 Alta West Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903, or Shadow Flight, 3544 Springmill North Rd, Shelby, Ohio 44875.