Vernon F. Larson, 105

Wellsville, NY – Vernon F. Larson, 105, of 133 Hills Street passed away peacefully at home, on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 with his sons at his side. He was born February 9, 1917 in Jamestown, NY the son of the late Magnus F. and Edith C. (Lawson) Larson. On November 23, 1957, in Jamestown, he married the former Joyce L. Forsythe who predeceased him on December 4, 2010.

Vern attended the Kansas City Art Institute from 1938 to 1941 studying under Thomas Hart Benton. He later attended Syracuse University from 1946 to 1947. He served as a Captain, CE, AVS in the Army Air Force from 1942 to 1946 in the Pacific Theater of Operations during WWII. He also served in the 940th Engr. AVN, Camouflage Battalion.; 2nd Army Air Force as a Base Intelligence Officer, then in the 1345th AAF Base Unit, Bengal Wing, India-China Division, ATC. Vern received an American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, 3 Campaign Stars including the India-Burma, Central Burma, and the China Offensive. Vern was a beloved art teacher at Wellsville High School from 1947, until his retirement in 1979. He also served as Scoutmaster for Troop 35/735 in Wellsville for many years.

He is survived by two sons: John F. Larson of Atlanta, Georgia and Richard C. (Julie) Larson of Raleigh, NC; a granddaughter, Anna J. Larson of Raleigh, NC; several nieces and one nephew. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his infant son, James Thomas Larson.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 19, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will be Tuesday, September 20, at 11:00 am in the funeral home, followed by full military honors. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Jamestown. Please consider memorial donations to the Allegany County Office for the Aging-Meals on Wheels, The SPCA Serving Allegany County, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.