OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Archie Roland Larison was born Jan. 4, 1920, in Windsor, Mo., to Walter and Elsie Hewitt Larison, and passed away Aug. 16, 2021. Archie was the sixth of seven siblings, Wilber Larison, Doris Larison Whitehair, Irene Larison Gilmore, Velma Larison, Fred Larison, and Margaret (Marge) Larison.
Archie joined the Missouri National Guard at the age of 18. Prior to the war he was a shoemaker who made shoes for the Russian army. Archie enlisted in the Army Air Corps Nov. 11, 1942; he quickly reached the rank of corporal. During WWII, Archie was a member of the gilder platoon in the Pacific Theater and when it was dissolved, he was transferred to the motor pool because of his typing abilities. He was honorably discharged Dec. 31, 1945. After the war, Archie returned to the Kansas City area and became a certified watchmaker and trained gemologist.
Archie married the love of his life, Shirley Ellen Clifton, May 31, 1947. They settled in Osage City, Kan., where Archie worked for Underwood Jewelers. In 1962, Archie and Shirley established Larison jewelers. They had two children: Ronald Wayne (Mary) and Clifton Dennis (Vickie). He retired from the business in 1995.
Archie was very active in his community. Archie was an active member of the Osage City Methodist Church, where he served as head usher for many years. He would wake early to serve both services every Sunday morning. He used to joke that he was so stubborn that he needed to hear the message more than once. He was always the last to leave after cleaning the church, and made sure everyone made it to their cars safely.
Archie served the Boy Scouts of America as troop leader, Eagle Award chairman, and district chairman for the Jayhawk Council, and was active in the Boy Scouts for more than 60 years. Archie was a Mason and Shriner. He was an active member of the Osage City and Lebo Masonic Lodges for more than 73 years. He designed and helped construct a single-story lodge in Osage City so that elderly members of the lodge could more easily attend. He was a member of Araret Shrine, Kansas City, and provided countless hours of service towards raising money for Shriners Hospitals.
Archie’s spirit of service to the military and children’s charities has had a ripple effect with every generation following him. His example of selfless giving and hard work has been the central pillar for every Larison family member. Archie has three granddaughters, one grandson, and eight great grandchildren. Together Archie’s descendants have a combined military service of 32 years. Both of his sons served in the Air Force. His son Ron served from Vietnam to the Gulf War providing communications support. His son Clifton was responsible for engineering the control panel on the NASA Space Shuttle. The family also continued the legacy of scouting, earning four Boy Scout Eagle Awards, two Girl Scout Gold Awards, and a combined 72 additional years of scouting service between them. They continued to be active in the Shrine and have a combined total of 57 years donated to the Shrine and other children’s charities. Archie’s work ethic and example of perseverance have inspired his grandchildren to become small business owners, teachers, directors at large technology corporations, doctors, and Air Force logistic specialists.
To say that he has made a difference in this world would be an understatement. He is a true American hero to all of those who are lucky enough to know him. At the age of 90, Archie moved to Wichita, and resided in the independent living facility at the Kansas Masonic Home. At the age 101, Archie was surrounded by family when he peacefully passed away. A true soldier, he now fights in God’s Army.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, at the Osage City Methodist Church. Visitation is scheduled for 1 p.m. A graveside service is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Osage City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Boy Scouts of America, Jayhawk Area Council, 1020 SE Monroe St., Topeka, KS 66612, and the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in St. Louis, Attention: Development Office, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.
