Bernice Jay “B.J.” Larson passed away Thursday, November 3, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones. A private family graveside memorial service was held Monday, November 14, 2022, at Lexington Cemetery, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made at www.wadleysfuneralservice.com.
B.J. was born December 25, 1942, in Oklahoma City to Orphis Jay “Monk” and Norma Jean (Booker) Pritchett. He was adopted by his stepdad Marvin Larson at age 4 and then the family moved to Geneva, Illinois.
While in Geneva, B.J. met his high school sweetheart Sally Andrews, and they were married October 20, 1961. They established a home in St. Charles, Illinois, where they welcomed three children. B.J. always loved hot rods and fast cars, which lead him to build, own and race his own dragster.
In 1970 they moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, and enjoyed raising their family, with hobbies like 4-wheeling, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. In 1979 they moved to Slaughterville, Oklahoma, where B.J. started the sport of roping, continued fishing, and attended his children’s activities.
After 22 years of civilian service, B.J. retired from Tinker AFB and enjoyed traveling abroad, camping, fishing and watching his grandkids’ activities.
B.J. was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Sally Larson; his parents, Monk and Norma Jean Pritchett; and his infant grandson, Chase Hisel.
Survivors include his daughter, Kim Venner and husband, Dale, of Marion, Iowa; his daughter, Kelly Hisel of Rockwall, Texas; and his son, Brad Larson and wife, Karissa, of Lexington, Oklahoma; his grandchildren, Channelle Tyrrell, Chane Venner, Cameron Larson, McKenna Clark-Covey and Jayden Hisel; his great-grandson, Treyton Tyrrell, and numerous other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family chose St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://fundraising.stjude.org and using the search term “Larson” for memorial contributions.
