Gary Thomas Larson, 71 of Baxter Springs, KS passed from this life on Monday, October 17, 2022 at the Freeman Hospital Emergency Department.

Gary was born October 22, 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri to the union of John Thomas Larson and Shirley Lou (Johnston) Larson. Gary graduated from Baxter Springs High School with the class of 1968. He then attended Pittsburg Teachers College and graduated with a Masters degree in Education. Gary was a bus driver for Baxter Springs Schools for about ten years. He then worked at Yellow Freight for a brief time and then finished his career at Bagcraft, retiring in 2013.

Gary was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Baxter Springs, where he was President of the Methodist Men’s group. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #71 of Baxter Springs, where he was Past Master several times. He was leader of Boy Scouts Troop 15 and earned his Eagle Scout with Troop 51. Gary enjoyed traveling, yardwork, watching western movies, reading, cleaning, and detailing cars. He especially enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his family and grandchildren.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, John and Shirley Larson.

Gary is survived by his son, John T. Larson II and wife Brenee of Miles City, MT; two sisters, Debbie Page and husband Les of Baxter Springs, KS and Teresa Claiborne and husband Dr. Rick of Baxter Springs, KS; nephews, Rodney Claiborne and wife Hannah, Dr. Richard Claiborne and wife Dr. Grace, and Matthew Page; two grandchildren, Paige and Kendall Larson.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church, Baxter Springs. Dorcia Johnson will officiate the services. Burial of cremains will follow in the Baxter Springs Cemetery with Masonic Rites. Gary has been entrusted to Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel for cremation. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.