Neal Leon Larson

Neal L. Larson, 83, passed away March 6, 2018

Neal was born and raised in Illinois as the only child born to Lester and Marian Larson. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. Neal served in the Air Force for eight years as an airline mechanic instructor.  He married Joyce Dunston in July 1963 in Alton, Il. Neal worked for the John Deere Co. and was transferred to Walla Walla in 1972, where they lived and raised their daughters. Neal taught agricultural mechanics classes at Walla Walla Community College and was active in the WWCC Rodeo Team as a volunteer, and he and Joyce spent many weekends at rodeos.

Neal’s greatest passion, besides his family, was cars. Every year since 1955, Neal worked for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) going to all the major races across the country.  He loved restoring antique cars and participating in car clubs and shows. Neal belonged to the Walla Walla Historical Auto Club and served as president many times throughout the years.  Neal & Joyce also belonged to the Walla Walla Cruisers car club and spent many happy years with their friends in the club.  Neal helped organize and fund raise for several Wheelin’ Walla Walla Weekends, even up to the age of 82 for the 2017 event.

Neal is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce Larson; four loving daughters, Barbara Anthony (Charles) of Illinois, and Kelly Watson, Melinda Magnaghi (Scott), Melissa Watson (Tom) of Walla Walla; ten grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He is preceded in death by both of his parents.

Memorial Services will be held at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home at 11:00AM on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Immediately following will be a reception held at Neal and Joyce’s house.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Neal’s name to his great-grandson, Anders Armijo College Fund through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.