Willis Larson

Willis Lee Larson After a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer, Willis Lee Larson died October 6, 2011 at age 73, at the Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming; and with his passing, more has been lost than just a good and hard working cowboy. Willis was born and raised on a ranch in Upton, Wyoming. He was predeceased by his father, Peter Larson; his, mother Blanche (Butolph) Larson; brother, Lawrence Svensen; and sister, Daisy McInerney. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Robbie Larson of Cheyenne; four children, Kaylee (Rhonda) Larson of Queens Creek, Arizona; Randy Larson of Hawaii; Ron Larson and Roxanne Larson of Cheyenne, Wyoming; two step-daughters, Shannon and Dusty Allison of Oakland, California; and two aunts, Nancy Zerbst and Mildred Butolph of Newcastle, Wyoming. Willis had five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives in Upton and Newcastle, Wyoming. He will be greatly missed by all. Willis' careers were primarily that of public service. He served 34 years with the Wyoming Army National Guard, Army Reserve State Military Support Office Liaison Team, retiring as a Sergeant Major, five years as a Newcastle Police Officer, two terms as Weston County Sheriff, seven years Civil Defense, four years Search & Rescue Advisory Council Liaison Officer, 18 years as Program Development Analyst Wyoming Emergency Management Agency, and Past President for NASAR (National Association for Search & Rescue). Willis' post retirement and volunteer activities included: Past President for IYAK (International Yak Association), over 20 years as a Cheyenne Frontier Days volunteer, (the majority serving as a Mounted Marshall), rancher, and trail-boss for Lone Tree Land & Cattle (Bison & Longhorn drives). When it came to four legged critters, Willis was a man of deep kindness. Willis will especially be remembered for his work ethic and never ending "Action Plans." A memorial service will be conducted on Sunday, October 16, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at the Schrader Chapel. An inurnment service with military honors will be held at the Mountain View Memorial Park Columbarium. A celebration of life will follow at noon at The Historic Plains Hotel. Cremation is under the direction of Schrader Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please bring a little hope to our world, like Willis did, by making a donation to the Cowgirls of the West Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 525, Cheyenne, WY 82003, or the Cheyenne Frontier Days Volunteer Crisis Fund, 4610 Carey Ave., Cheyenne WY 82001 Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.schraderfuneral.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Schrader Funeral Home, Cheyenne.

Service

Sunday, October 16, 2011 10:00am

Schrader Chapel

2323 Carey Avenue

CHEYENNE, WY 82001

Interment

Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery

10701 North Yellowstone Road

CHEYENNE, WY 82009