Robert Dale Larson (May 29, 1933 – Dec. 22, 2026) was born in Joplin, Missouri to Edward
and Viola Larson. He joined his older brother Ed growing up in Joplin where they enjoyed
hunting, fishing, swimming, golf and tennis. Bob also learned to play the piano and would
play piano all his life. He attended the University of Arkansas, graduating with a B.S.
degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, the Army
ROTC Program, and following graduation, would complete basic training at Ft. Benning,
Ga., and sign up with the U. S. Army for service in the Korean Conflict. On his return home,
he accepted his first job with Cities Service Oil Company in Orlando, Fla. He became
active in many groups in Orlando and met a young teacher Shirley Williams at a Young
Career Group, and they were married in 1961. The next two years were busy ones, with Bob
earning a master’s degree in marketing from Rollins College and he and Shirley welcoming
first daughter, Kymbal, in 1962. He joined the Atomic Energy Commission in 1963 for a
year-long internship in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He accepted a position in the Contracts and
Procurement branch in Richland and would become Director of that branch 25 years later.
He also began his Army Reserve career in Pasco, WA., serving 30 years with U.S. Army
Reserve unit in Pasco, WA and later as Commandant of the USAR School in Spokane, WA.
In 1968, he and Shirley welcomed their second daughter, Lesli, to the fold. Bob adored his
family and was very proud of their many successes in life. Bob and Shirley fell in love with
the Tri-Cities with its many activities available to them. Bob loved all the activities he grew
up with and added skiing, boating and exploring the area with camping and traveling
activities. When Bob turned 60 in 1994, he retired from the Department of Energy as
Director of Procurement and the USARC as a Colonel. After these two retirements Bob was
not ready to sit down and relax. He then decided to run for public o ice and was elected to
the Port of Benton Commission and served in that role for 27 years. He loved the job, and
he loved the people! Bob was a faithful member of Central Church for 57 years, a member
of the Richland Rotary Club for 35 years and a member of Meadow Springs Country Club.
Bob is survived by his wife Shirley, daughters Kymbal Roley and Lesli Larson, grandchildren
Renee, Ben, Rachel Sugino (Chris); and great granddaughter Juliette Sugino. A Celebration
of Life will be held Saturday, June 6, at 11 AM at Einan’s at Sunset Event Center. A Military
Honors Event will be held at Einan’s on Friday, June 5, at 11 AM, followed by a dedication
ceremony at the Port of Benton Sail Park on Thursday, June 4, at 10 AM.
Donations may be made in Robert D. Larson’s memory to Alzheimer’s disease research at
alz.org.