David Lee Larson

David Lee Larson, 59, passed away peacefully (Sunset) October 25, 2023 at Fairfax County Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia with his loving wife by his side. The youngest son of John Larson Sr., and the late Laverne Naidl Larson, David was born in Manitowoc Wisconsin on October 15, 1964 (Sunrise). As a teen, David obtained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1982 and graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1983. David enlisted in the U.S. Army under the delayed entry program while still in high school. He completed the basic training course at Fort McClellan Alabama. After graduating, he completed advanced intermediate training (AIT) as a 67 November, helicopter repairer at Fort Rucker Alabama. Assigned to Bravo Company, the 70th Transportation Battalion (AVIM) in Manheim Germany (Coleman Barracks), David began work as a mechanic and crew chief on the UH1H Huey helicopter. As the Huey helicopter was phased out, he transitioned to the UH60A Black Hawk helicopter as a 67 Tango after completing the Black Hawk course at Fort Eustis Virginia. While working in Mannheim Germany at Coleman Barracks in 1987, David met and fell in love with the love of his life, Janie McCray Larson of the late Eileen McCray Tyler and William Holmes. They were married in Nykobing Denmark 10 November 1988 after dating for a year. As David’s army career progressed, he rose quickly through the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks and was promoted to Sergeant First Class (E-7) in less than 10 years. David always liked to be where the action was. When he realized it wasn’t behind a desk, he applied to Warrant Officer Candidate School. David graduated from the U.S. Army Aviation Logistics School as a distinguished graduate after he completed the Aviation Maintenance Technician Warrant Officer Basic Course in 1996. He later successfully completed the Army Warrant Officer Career College Warrant Officer Staff Course and Senior Staff Course. David was stationed at Fort Irwin California (247th Medical Detachment (NTC Support Battalion)), Schwabisch Hall/Giebelstadt Germany (Charlie Company 6-159th Aviation Regiment), Fort Campbell Kentucky (Delta Company 6 – 101st Aviation Regiment), Camp Page South Korea (542 Medical Company (Air Ambulance)), Kilo Company, 4 - 159th Aviation Maintenance, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia and Joint Base Langley-Eustice, Virginia (Flight Concepts Division, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC)). His deployments included enforcement of the no-fly zone Eastern Turkey/Northern Iraq (Operation Provide Comfort) and Bagram Air base Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). David received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal and the Legion of Merit. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Grantham University. David graduated from 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault School, Fort Campbell Kentucky, Airborne School, Fort Benning Georgia and obtained an Airframe and Power plant (A&P) license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Shortly after retiring from the Army in the grade of Chief Warrant 5 with 31 years of service, David turned to other interests. He worked as a Senior Contract Specialist/Contracting Officer for the Department of Transportation at the National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration (NHTSA). While there he received numerous certificates and awards for excellence most notably the Department of Transportation’s Employee of the Year Award for Acquisitions. David had many hobbies and interests including photography, music, matting and framing. Running in particular was a passion. He registered and ran year after year in approximately fifty races each year often using half marathons to train for marathon races. David was very active in the running community. He participated in races held by Bishop Events, was a member of the Marathon Maniacs Racing club and maintained the Maniacs/Fanatics District Facebook page. David’s favorite race was the New York City Marathon which he ran four times. An avid sports fan, he closely followed all the Wisconsin sports teams especially his beloved Green Bay Packers and his favorite hockey team the Pittsburgh Penguins. David was a loving, kind and thoughtful man with a wicked (deadpan) sense of humor. He often loved to play practical jokes on friends and co-workers alike. Outgoing and popular, he had a positive “can do” attitude that he applied to everything he approached or undertook throughout his life. David was a loving son, husband, brother, cousin, nephew, a mentor and a good friend. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Janie McCray Larson, his father, John Larson Sr., his oldest brother, John Larson Jr. (Julie), sister Pamela Larson Schuk (Bill), brother Jeff Larson (Jennifer), God son, Brandon Schuk, God Daughter Nicole Larson, sister-in-law, Vernadean McCray Tot (Clem), brother-in-law Martin McCray (Hannah), sister-in-law Nicole McCray Harris (Sharrone), Sister-in-law Raenell Lorinda Tyler, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and family. David is presided in death by his mother, Laverne Naidl Larson, sister, Debra Larson, mother-in-law, Eileen McCray Tyler, sister-in-law, Tory Lynn Tyler and brother-in-law Randolph Anthony McCray. Relatives and friends may be received at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, Friday, November 3, 2023, 4:00PM- 8:00PM. Service details to be determined. Memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or a charity of your choice. Please view and sign the family guestbook at www.jeffersonfuneralchapel.com.

Tributes

David Lee Larson

October 15, 1964 - October 25, 2023