Gary Burke Larson was born on January 15, 1934 in Glenbar, Arizona. He is the son of Alma and Grace Larson. Gary grew up in Pima, Arizona, the 9th child of 13 children. He would pick cotton in the summers to earn money with his brothers. After graduating from Pima High school he served in the U.S. Navy, during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.
He graduated from Arizona State University with a BS degree in accounting in 1957. While attending the university he met and fell in love with the beautiful Jeanine Peterson. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mesa Temple on November 8, 1957. They were married for 63 years. They had a happy and loving home and were blessed with 10 children, sons Keith, Brent, Lance, Kyle, and Mark, daughters Shelly Russell, Susan Larsen, Sandra Sapore, Julie Haws, and Christy Denney.
He graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1968. He practiced law for over 50 years until the age of 85. Gary is survived by his wife Jeanine, his daughters except Sandra Sapore, his sons, 40 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had many callings including serving a 2 year stake mission, serving in scouting and the Young Men’s program. He was a counselor in the bishopric and a high priest leader.
Gary passed away peacefully on January 27, 2021. He will be remembered for being a hard worker, his kindness, patience and sense of humor. He is survived by his brothers, Clay and Richard, sisters Letha and Linda.
A viewing will be held Friday, February 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bunker’s Funerals 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201.
His funeral will be Saturday, February 6th at 10 a.m. at the LDS church building at 2228 East Brown Road Mesa, 85213. A viewing will take place from 9 to 9:45 a.m. before the funeral. A graveside is planned for noon at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St.
A livestream of the funeral will be available to those who cannot attend in person.
Gary, Jeanine and their small (at the time) young family lived behind my house on Millet in Mesa. I remember them as very kind people. Their son Keith and I were about the same age and played together. I remember being sick at school and my mother was unavailable so Jeanine picked me up and cared for me until my mom came home. I remember Gary as a kind man who was welcoming to neighbor kids even upon coming home from work to find us tearing up the place. I remember the Larson family with very fond memories. Prayers and condolences to the Larson family.
I just heard today about your loss. Gary and Jeanine always seemed to be the young parents when we grew up on Marilyn Avenue. They were energetic and lively and it was always enjoyable to be in their home. I enjoyed running in to them at the temple and catching up on their family. I wish all my good friends from a long time ago- Keith, Brent, Shelley, Lance, Mark & Jeanine- the peace that Christ and his Gospel brings, especially during this time. The family picture brought back many good memories!! Love you all.
I just saw that Gary passed away. I enjoyed the time we spent together at Jennings, Strouss. He was a great lawyer and a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.