Ernest C. Larson 85 of Keene died peacefully on January 8, 2011 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene Medical Center after a period of failing health.
He was born the son of Mary (Briggs) and Luke Larson in Sherman, N.Y. on August 10, 1925. He was educated in Sherman and graduated from Sherman High School class of 1943. In 1945 he moved to Keene and has lived here since.
After high school Mr. Larson enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on July 19, 1943. He served his country during World War II and Korea. His service as one of the greatest generation brought him to many ports of 
call. He served on the U.S.S. Arthur Middleton as a Machinist Mate. He received the WWII Victory Medal, American Theatre of Operations Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operations Medal with Three Stars, the Philippine Liberations Ribbon with Two Stars, American-Pacific Campaign Medal with Three Bronze Stars and the Honorable Service Lapel Button. After the war he re-enlisted in the United States Air Force working as a Maintenance Technician. He received the Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. Mr. Larson completed his time of service with a second honorable discharge at the rank of Staff Sergeant on September 1, 1953 after 10 years of service.
While of active duty he took his vows to Eldene L. Brinton on October 5, 1946 at the First Congregational Church in Keene with friends and family present. They were happily married for 64 years before she died on March 7, 2010.
Ernest worked for 21 years as a Master Plumber for the Stromgren Heating and Plumbing Company. He retired in 1982 and enjoyed retirement life.
He enjoyed being a part of the community of veterans as a life member of the American Legion and Veteran’s of Foreign Wars in Keene. He was also a member of the Elks Club. Ernest enjoyed working in the garden growing his vegetables and flowers and taking time to go fishing.
He is survived by his beloved cat, April. His four daughters; Deana Smalley and her husband Michael of Clairton, PA., Carol Larson of Keene, Penny Stone and her fiancee Donald Driscoll, Pamela Livengood and her husband John of Keene. One sister in-law, Elisabeth Leatini. He is also survived by his grand children; Michealene, Michele, Ernest, Brandy, Douglas, Benjamin, Molly, Caitlin, Kimberlin. He is also survived by 11 great grand-children, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers monitory donations may be made in memory of Ernest C. Larson to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Rd. Swanzey, NH. 03446. A grave side service with full military honors will take place in the spring around Memorial Day at Monadnock View Cemetery in Keene. Dates and times will be announced later.
