Vernon (Smokey) Larson

Vernon J (Smokey) Larson, 87, died peacefully August 23, 2016 in his home surrounded by family members. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at All Faiths Funeral Home. Reverend Leslie Cole will officiate. Burial will be in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors rendered by the United Veterans Honor Guard and U.S. Army. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at All Faiths Funeral Home. Mr. Larson was born September 25, 1928 to Arthur and Magdelena Larson. He spent his childhood in Brayton, Nebraska joining the Army in 1953. He served two years deployed in Korea during the Korean War. During his time in service he rose to the position of Mess Sergeant and later on offered the position of head cook for the Russian Embassy. After returning from the Army he began his career as an electrician in Columbus, Nebraska, later moving to Grand Island to work for Lawrence Electric. In 1965 he left and started his own business called Smokey’s Electric (his nickname given by his brother when caught smoking a corn cob pipe behind a barn). He became an around town icon driving around in his truck proclaiming the slogan “let me fix your shorts”. He spent over forty years in his chosen career creating lifelong ties with the community. Smokey was not only a great electrician, he was also a fabulous cook. Almost every holiday and family get together everyone was privy to huge spreads of awesome home cooked meals, often offering up fares true to his Danish roots. He was always known as a great cook, but his skill in baking pies surpassed even his best cooked meals. Many people were recipients of these wonderful pies and they will be greatly missed. Vernon was a man of compassion, caring not only for his family, but for his extended family and friends. He showed so much love and caring for the elderly creating a band called Smokey’s Band where he and his wife Karlene and a couple of friends played music for the elderly. It was a little rag tag band that brought joy to so many. When looking back he will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and jokes, the joy he took in socializing with friends, the great holidays he created, being a surrogate father when one was needed, and his passion for life. He was actively involved in the Eagles, Isaak Walton and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Vernon will always be remembered for a big smile and a willingness to be there to help out whenever or wherever needed. He will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his widow Karlene Larson; children, Kathy Higgins of Colorado Springs, CO, Janet and Dave Starkey of Phillips, NE, Larry Larson of Grand Island, NE, Cindy Springsteel of Grand Island, Vern and Kay Larson of Giltner, NE Jay Larson of Noblesville, IN a sister Dorothy Dugan of Arizona, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister and his son David Pugh. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to either the Doniphan Senior Center of Evangelical Wesleyan Church in Grand Island.

Vernon (Smokey) Larson

September 25, 1928 - August 23, 2016

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Vernon (Smokey) Larson

September 25, 1928 - August 23, 2016

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support