David Edwin Larsen

David Edwin Larsen, 71 of Henderson, Nevada passed away in the Henderson Hospital Wednesday afternoon, May 15th, surrounded by family after a sudden heart attack. 

David was born December 3, 1952 in Preston, Idaho to Shirley Cole and Lynn Junior Larsen. He grew up on a farm in Fairview, Idaho where his parents taught him and his siblings the value of hard work. In high school, David played on the defensive line and was chosen for the all Conference Football Team. As a defensive lineman, he intercepted and scored the winning touchdown for the homecoming game. In addition to football, he wrestled and threw shot put and discus for the school track team. David spoke fondly of his childhood and often referenced lessons learned on the farm during conversation. After high school, he served a mission in the England, London South mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

While attending Utah State University, David was smitten by the redheaded Brenda James and married her in the LDS Logan Temple on May 1st 1975. He graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and his job with the Gaming Control Board brought his family to Henderson, Nevada. He worked for them for 4 years and then as a contract administrator for SouthWest Gas until his retirement in 2018.

Connection and service were a hallmark of Dave’s life. Amid his faithful service as a High Councilman and Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he made it a point to attend to his highest duty as husband and father of six. He coached various sports teams for his children and fiercely loved and supported his wife and her dance studio. David faithfully attended every game and performance he could. He had a love for Scouting and cherished his time mentoring the youth. He took boys to Philmont Scout Ranch on four different occasions and was awarded the Las Vegas Area Council’s highest volunteer award, the Silver Beaver in 2011.

David’s devotion and love was felt by all who knew him, especially his grandchildren. They can all attest to his magnificent bear hugs and unending supply of coins for any little one who wished to raid grandma’s m&m machine. Dave spent most of his retirement days loving and caring for his wife and fostering meaningful relationships with his grandchildren and supporting them and their parents in their busy stage of life. He loved to travel and even hosted 5 exchange students in his family from around the world. He also enjoyed his time as secretary of the Sons of Utah Pioneers for the past 3 years. He looked forward to Romeo club each week and loved eating out at restaurants daily. 

Even in death, his generosity continues through his choice to be an organ donor. David’s bright example of love for his family and community will be greatly missed and long felt. This gentle, kind giant will be in our hearts forever. He was right when he said he had a good life. 

David is survived by his wife, Brenda, children Aaron (Melanie) Larsen, Stacie (Samuel) Miner, Zachary (Kate) Larsen, Matthew (Janay) Larsen, Samuel (Erin) Larsen, Amber (Casey) Ward, his beloved 28 grandchildren, his brother Corey (Lee Anne) Larsen, sisters Charisse Larsen and Wendy Larsen and sister-in-law Jane Larsen. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Eric Larsen. 

A viewing and funeral will be held in his honor on June 15, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cholla Chapel, 303 Cholla St. Henderson, NV 89015. The viewing will be at 3pm and the funeral will begin at 4pm. It will also be broadcast on YouTube at 303 cholla live.