Arnold Thomas Larson, 96, of Everest, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 4, 2016.

Arnold was born on February 9, 1920 , and was the 2nd son of Lynn and Gertie Knudson Larson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lester Larson.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Betty (Ernst) Larson of Everest, Kansas, a son, Anthony Larson and daughter-in-law Anne (Goarzin) Larson of Pace, France and a daughter Lisa (Larson) Bandre and son-in-law Michael Bandre of Overland Park, Kansas along with five grandchildren, Trent Bandre, Kate Bandre and Luke Bandre, of Overland Park, Kansas and Astrid Larson and Adele Larson, of Pace, France.

Arnold grew up on an 80 acre family farm north of Everest, Kansas and attended the Marak School. After graduating from 8th grade, and with the country in the midst of the Great Depression, Arnold began full time work on the farm.

He was a member of St,Leo's Catholic Church, VFW Post 1175 in Atchison and the 90th Division Association. Arnold was inducted into the United States Army at Fort Leavenworth, KS on April 1, 1942 and was sent to Camp Barkeley, Texas where he was assigned to H Company, 359th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. Arnold participated in training maneuvers in Texas, Louisiana, and Desert Center, California before shipping out to Fort Dix, New Jersey where he then sailed to Liverpool, England. On June 8, 1944, Arnold landed on Utah beach, in Normandy, France as a jeep driver for 2nd Bn. Headquarters Company. As part of the 3rd Army under the command of George S Patton Arnold participated in Operation Cobra closing the Falaise Gap in the summer of 1944. Through August and September of 1944, his division took part in the Battle of Northern France, crossing the France-Germany border in November 1944. In December Arnold took part in the Battle of the Ardennes, pushing back German forces that had broken through Allied lines in the Battle of the Bulge. On May 7, 1945, shortly after entering Czechoslovakia, Arnold's unit received orders to cease combat operations, after being in combat for 308 days; the longest of any Infantry Division in the European Theatre. Arnold was awarded the Bronze Invasion Arrowhead and 5 Campaign Stars before returning home to Kansas in October, 1945. In June of 2014, Arnold was named Knight in the French Legion of Honor for his service during the World War II and for his part in the liberation of France.

From 1945 to 1985, Arnold farmed on the family farm north of Everest along with his brother, Lester. Arnold met his wife Betty in 1967 and they were married on September 14, 1968 at Saint Benedict's Church in Atchison, Kansas. Arnold and Betty had two children, Anthony (Tony) on July 22, 1969 and Lisa on January 2, 1971. After retiring from farming in 1985, Arnold continued to live on the farm with Betty where he enjoyed gardening and maintaining the farm.

Arnold was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 9, 2016 at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday evening at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas with visitation to follow. Burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery North of Everest, Kansas. Memorials may be made to the to the Everest American Legion and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com