Robert W Larson

Robert W. Larson

Robert W. Larson "Bob" passed away peacefully on Monday, January 1, 2012 at home.

He was the eighth of ten children born to Bertha and Nels Larson on August 27, 1919 in Akron, Ohio.

Bob graduated as president of his class from Akron South High School in June of 1937. He went on to attend The University of Akron UA earning his Bachelor's degree in June of 1946 although the pursuit of his education had been interrupted by World War II. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army while being stationed at Camp Perry Ohio and several bases in Alaska. After the war ended he returned to Akron to teach and coach at his alma mater, South High School. He remained at South for fifteen years prior to joining the administrative staff at The University of Akron as an assistant registrar. Bob retired from UA as Director of Financial Aid in 1974. He later returned to the university to teach accounting classes in the Evening College. In 2007, at the age of 88, Bob became the oldest honoree in the 36 year history of the UA's Hall of Fame, and was awarded the Mike Krino Varsity A Achievement Award.

Bob was an outstanding athlete playing both baseball and basketball while in high school. He went on to become a three year letter winner in basketball at The University of Akron and served as team captain his senior year. Bob acted as a player/coach for one game in which the team posted a victory. He remains the only UA basketball coach with a perfect record, a record of which he was very proud. Other activities while at the university included membership in the Omicron Delta Kappa scholastic honorary, Lone Star Fraternity and Varsity A. Bob enjoyed playing golf, fishing and hunting. He and his wife Sue were often seen attending university football and basketball games both home and away.

Bob was a member of the Hudson United Methodist Church where he was past treasurer as well as having served on a number of committees during his 35 year membership.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father and by siblings, Edith David Davis, Larry Mildred, Agda Adams, Eva Keith, Carl Virginia, Ruth, Dorothy John Binford, Ralph Regina, Gordon Eva; son, Gary; and step-son, David Davidson. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue; son, Ron Sue Ann of Florida; step-daughter, Amy Davidson LePage Kevin of Italy; step-grandsons, Trevor and Christopher; "adopted son", Jim Bagnola Texas, and eleven nephews and five nieces.

Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at The Hudson United Methodist Church with Rev. Paul Beal officiating. Interment at Markillie Cemetery. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Donations in his memory may be made to The Hudson United Methodist Church, 2600 Hudson Aurora Road, Hudson, OH 44236, or the M. Sue and Robert Larson Scholarship Fund. Contributions to the scholarship will be divided between The College of Business and the Athletic Department men's basketball at The University of Akron. Donations may be mailed to: The University of Akron, Department of Development, Akron, OH 44325-2603. Donations may also be made to the Hospice Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, OH 44333 or any other charity of the donor's choosing.

Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel