Luther Theodore Larson, 97, went to be with the Lord on March 10, 2026, at his home in rural Everest, Kansas.
Luther was born May 9, 1928, in Horton, Kansas, the son of Lars and Thelma (Atland) Larson of rural Everest. Luther attended Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, near his home, for grades 1-8, and then attended high school in Effingham, Kansas. Following high school graduation, Luther farmed with his father.
In 1952, Luther enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on USS Hanna during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956; his final rank was Boiler Technician, Petty Officer, First Class.
Luther met his future wife, Carolyn Holt, in Poulsbo, Washington. They were married on December 28,1957 in Poulsbo. Luther and Carolyn made their home on the family farm near Everest, where they rejoiced in the births of their six children: David, Karen, Kristen, Daniel, Karlene, and Paul.
In addition to the strenuous work of farming, Luther always prioritized his family and church involvement. He was a member of Carol Baptist Church in Atchison, Kansas, serving for many years as a deacon and as a teacher for adult classes. Attendance at Sunday services continued to be the highlight of his week until his death.
Luther was a member of The Gideons, Intl. for many years. Besides frequently placing Bibles in prisons and hotels, he distributed free copies of the Bible to school children, college students, and nurses. He also received the distinction to serve as the chaplain for the Kansas chapter of the Gideons.
Luther served on the Grasshopper Township Board in Atchison County, Kansas, for several years. Luther farmed until well into his eighties, when he stepped into the role of caregiver for Carolyn, which he lovingly fulfilled until her death in 2017.
Luther leaves a rich legacy of love and service for God. He impacted his family and countless others, by faithfully sharing the Gospel throughout his life, even in his final weeks. He modeled a life of integrity as he faithfully walked with Christ.
Luther is survived by three daughters, Karen (David) Krueger of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Kristin (Jamie) LaJoie of St. Joseph, Missouri, and Karlene (Timothy) Smith of Everton, Missouri; three sons, David (Linda) Larson of Lockport, New York, Daniel (Michelle) Larson of Everest, Kansas, and Paul (Pamela) Larson of Solomon, Kansas; 21 grandchildren, Erik (Amanda), Rachel (Michael), Joel, Sarah, Emily (Jordan), Joseph (Katrina), Ruth, Lydia (Calvin), Luke, Rebecca (Jordan), Laura (Zach), Jenna, Rebekah, John, Heather (Justin), Joshua (Liz), Hannah, Kaitlin, Kristin (Hovie), Kassandra, and Caleb; and 17 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Abigail, Kye, Lyla, Amelia, Sydney, Ryker, Declan, Ingrid, Desmond, Juliet, Adelaide, Elaine, Toby, Jase, Gideon, and Amelia.
Visitation will be held on March 14, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary, in Horton, Kansas, followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, north of Everest, Kansas.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Carol Baptist Church, 800 South 6th Street in Atchison, Kansas.
Memorial are suggested to Carol Baptist Church and to The Gideons, Intl., in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com
