Donald Melvin Larsen

Donald Melvin Larsen, 84, of Summerville, SC, died Tuesday, August 1, 2017. His funeral service will be held Friday, August 4, 2017 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel, 2180 Greenridge Road at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday one hour prior to the service.

Donald was born August 11, 1932 in Portland, OR, son of the late Andrew Matthew Larsen and the late Lucille Viola Conklin Larsen. Donald graduated from Parkrose High School in Parkrose, OR. He joined the Navy in December of 1951 and retired December 1977. He served on surface ships, subs and retired as Chief Petty Officer. He graduated Technical College going to school at night and later volunteered with the literacy program teaching English and reading skills. Donald also worked at the Naval Supply Center as a supervisor and then part-time at Avis Car Rental. He was a life long member of the American Legion, VFW, Fleet Reserve and Elks lodges.

He was married to Pauline C. Larsen for 39 years until she passed in 2001. His second marriage was to Mary Ruth Smith Fennell.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth Smith Larsen of Summerville, SC; daughter and her husband, Shelley and Jeff Stone of Seneca, SC; sister-in-law, Marian Larsen of CA; niece and her husband, Judy and Richard Huelecamp of Huntington Beach, CA. He was preceded in death by his brother, Victor Andrew Larsen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605, Boys Town National Headquarters, 200 Flanagan Boulevard, P. O. Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010 or a charity of one's choice.