William R. (Bill) Larsen was born on December 20th, 1926 in Chicago, IL. He graduated from Daniel Boone High School, and joined the United States Navy, as his father before him. He went on to college, first obtaining a BA from Augustana College and a MS from Iowa State. He received his Master’s degree in Geology and worked in this field his entire career. Bill moved from Ames, Iowa to the oilfields of West Texas in the 1950s with his wife, daughter and son. Bill and Barbara had three more children and devoted themselves to raising the five kids in Midland, Texas. Bill was Scout Master of the Boy Scout troop that his sons attended, along with other activities such as the Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra, Lions Club and Toastmasters. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. Bill retired in his mid-sixties and moved on to a career of giving. He was an honorary life member of the Petroleum Museum. He volunteered his time with organizations such as the Friends of the Library, Petroleum Museum, Museum of the Southwest, and Marion Blakemore Planetarium. Bill was loved and will be dearly missed.Bill is survived by his wife Barbara Larsen, daughter Lyn Yater and sons David Larsen, Greg Larsen, Kevin Larsen and wife Barbara, Roger Larsen and wife Cindy; five grandchildren; a dear sister, Mrs. Madelyn Miles and two nieces, all of Ft. Myers, FL; and three great grandchildren.The family will hold private services.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com ,
