Frank Robert Larson Jr.

Frank Robert Larson Jr. passed away Easter evening, April 9, 2023. Robert was a devoted family man, a professional teacher and a life-long learner.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Nina Larson, his two brothers, Nathan and Francis Barney, and his sister Cherry Barney. Robert is survived by his beautiful bride, Carol (who he affectionately called Caroline); his seven children: Kjell Larson (Marni), Ginger Peterson (Steven), Jed Larson (Alyson), Blake Larson (Krystal), Hollie Basil (Eric), David Larson (Becky), and Sean Larson (Becky); his sister Dora Lee Bird (Stephen) and his brother Edgar Barney (Arloween); and his 40 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Robert was born in Murray, Utah on May 12, 1942. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work from his father, who worked in construction and always had a large garden to feed his family and share with the neighbors. After serving a mission for two and a half years in Sweden, he met his sweetheart, Carol, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were married on June 18, 1965. They soon started a family and moved to Arizona where Robert would begin his teaching career. He taught in several schools, but his heart always bled Westwood orange and blue.

Robert loved the theater and one of his favorite roles was playing Christ in the Mesa Easter Pageant from 1976 to 1984. He was heavily involved in his kids’ lives and the many activities that they participated in (baseball, basketball, cheer, dance, handball, piano, swimming, tennis, etc.). He gladly and selflessly served others within the community and his church. He was a student of the scriptures and was filled with gospel knowledge and insight. He loved his family fiercely and would drop anything to support them or be at their side in times of need.

He will be missed dearly by those who love him, but the memory of his contagious smile, his thick sarcasm, and his devotion to family will live on.

Robert’s viewing will be Friday, April 14 from 6-8pm.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 15, with a viewing at 3pm followed by the funeral at 4pm.

Viewing and services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 1050 S. Hobson, Mesa, AZ 85204.