Richard Larson

Rick Larson, age 76, of Copperas Cove passed away on Monday, September 16, 2019, surrounded by his family. A celebration of his life will take place at 3:00 pm, Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 2920 FM 116 in Kempner, Texas.

Rick was born on July 18, 1943, in Worchester, MA to the late Paul and Elva Brown Larson. Rick graduated from North High School in Worcester, MA and attended Barrington College in Rhode Island. He graduated from the University of Nebraska while serving in the United States Air Force. He later graduated with an MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University. Rick married Linda Finnell on August 30, 1969, in Alexandria, VA.  He worked for the state of Rhode Island as a legislative liaison for the Department of Children and their Families.  In 1980, Rick moved his family to California where he managed a construction company briefly before working for the Area Agency on Aging. This led him to his call into the ministry. Rick served as a pastor for over 33 years. He served at Chapel of the Pines in Arnold, CA, Hope Community Church in Houston, TX, and Sierra Bible Church in Sonora, CA. In 2015, Rick and Linda moved to Copperas Cove to be near family.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Donna Backstrom.

Rick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Larson; daughter, Karna Atkinson and husband, Preston; son, Eric Larson and wife, Lauren; sister, Barbara Howe; seven grandchildren, Eli, Lilly, Owen, Ruby, Brenna, Phoebe Atkinson, and Domino Larson.

A legacy of love for Jesus, choosing grace over law, offering kindness at all times, and choosing relationship over being right.