Downey……Roy D. Larson, 85, lifelong resident of Downey, Idaho, passed away of natural causes on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, in Sandy, Utah.
Roy was born June 15, 1924, in Downey, a son of Archie W. and Annie L. Denney Larson. He was the 3rd of 5 children. He had 2 brothers, Henry and Reed Larson, and 2 sisters; Ivalue Packard and Glenys Edwards. All of whom are deceased. He grew up and attended school in Downey. Roy married Myrna Taggart in the Logan LDS Temple on April 22, 1943. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year. They lived in Downey all their lives, except for the past couple of years, while they resided in North Pole, Alaska with their youngest daughter, Sandra (Scott) Averett, who took very good care of them. Roy served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was stationed in the Philippines during that time. After the war, he was sent to Korea for a short time. He was proud to serve his country. When he returned home, he farmed and raised cattle. He also worked for the railroad at Pacific Fruit Express in Pocatello for many years. He enjoyed his retirement years. Roy was a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many capacities through the years, including the Cub Scouts, High Priest Quorum Presidency, and a member of the Ward Bishopric. For many years, he and Myrna served as ordinance workers in the Logan LDS Temple. He enjoyed 4-wheeling, cutting firewood, and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed working in his large vegetable garden, which he shared with his neighbors. He had a well-kept yard and beautiful flowers. Roy is survived by his wife; Myrna, and is the father of 3 sons and 4 daughters; Fred (Sue) Larson of Sandy, Utah; Rex (deceased); Eddy (Theresa) Larson of Magna, Utah; Marjorie (Ron) Batson of Kent, Washington; Louise (Eugene) Webb of Downey; Betty Ann (Mike) Wasuita of Mountain Green, Utah and Sandra Dee (Scott) Averett of North Pole, Alaska. They also have 41 grandchildren and 69 great-grandchildren, with 2 more on the way. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at 1:00 pm in the Downey LDS Ward Chapel, Bishop Rex Nielsen, officiating. Friends may visit with the Larson family on Saturday at the church from 11:30 am-12:45 pm. Military Rites will follow in the Downey City Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Horsley’s Marsh Valley Funeral home.