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Lewis LARSON Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
LARSON, Lewis H., Jr. Lewis H. Larson Jr., age 86 of Carrollton, Ga. died Sunday November 25, 2012. Lewis was born January 24, 1927 to Lewis Sr. and Thelma (Brunson) Larson in South St. Paul, Mn. Lew graduated from the University of Minnesota and received his Ph.d from the University of Michigan. He taught at Georgia Technology, Georgia State, Eastern Kentucky University and retired as a Professor of Anthropology at the University of West Georgia. Lewis was the 1st State Archaeologist for the state of Georgia. In 1954 Lew began work on the Etowah site in Cartersville, Ga.. Lew's work on Mound C gave Georgia & Southeastern archaeology important relics and knowledge on prehistoric Indians that occupied Georgia. Lew also excavated sites on St. Catherines Island, Pine Harbor, Sutherland Bluff and Sapelo Shell Ring on the Georgia coast.Lewis was preceded in death by his parents Lewis Sr. and Thelma (Brunson) of South St. Paul, Mn. and Darien, Ga.. Brother Dean Larson of South St. Paul, Mn. Brother David and wife Patricia (Salmon) Larson of Austin, Mn. Survivors include life long family friend Simon (Willie) Williams. Nephews Doug (Kathy) Larson of St. Michael, Mn, Jeff (Debbie) Larson of Mannford, Ok, and Steve (Rhonda) Larson of Kasson, Mn. Grand nieces and nephews Sarah, Ryne, Lindsay, Brady, and Nick of Minnesota. Audrey, Danny, Darcey and Austin of Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the Thelma B. Larson Memorial Award for Anthropological Research at West Georgia University.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lewis LARSON
Mark R. Barnes, Ph.D.
November 26, 2023
Always remember Dr. Lewis Larson as a great professional and wonderful friend. Developed a close working relation on Georgia Archaeological Research Design (GARD) project.
Marvin Riner Jr.
March 16, 2022
In the early to mid 80's, I was hitch-hiking from Swainsboro, Ga to Macon, Ga. While walking, I came to a sand ridge near the Ohoopee river.
I spent an hour walking that ridge but I found a very nice serrated Dalton point. I left there headed on up the highway towards the interstate.
When I got to the interstate, I started thumbing again. A man pulled over in a pickup and let me in then headed on towards Macon.
As we rode, he ask me where I came from and I told him I had thumbed from Swainsboro. He looked at his watch and said, "Pardon me for saying, but you aren't making very good time." I said, "Yes sir, I stopped to look for arrowheads." Then he asked me if I found anything and I said, "Yes, I found a serrated Dalton point." He said, "Would you show it to me?"
I told him it was in my bag in the back of his truck and he proceeded to pull over so I could get it.
I got back in and handed it to him. He sat there flipping it over and over studying it closely. I was starting to wonder why he was so interested in an arrowhead.
When he got through looking at it, he asked, "What can you tell me about this by looking at it?" I said, "I believe it to be a point from the Dalton culture era MANY years old." He said, "I agree." I was REALLY curious about him by then!
When he drove back onto the interstate, I asked him his name and I was shocked when he reached into his pocket and handed me a business card..... The card read, "Lewis H. Larson Georgia State Archaeologist University of Georgia.
When the shock wore off, I said, " I bet you have HUNDREDS of arrowheads!" He said, "I don't own a one. I get more joy from people seeing them in museums than hanging them on my wall."
He had mentioned he had been working on a site in Savannah. I asked him what he was working on down there and he said he was excavating a slave trading post.
He was SUCH a nice man but and eager to share his knowledge.
Meeting Mr.Larson was a MOST memorable encounter.
Bill Brandon
December 8, 2012
It was a great privilege to have Dr Larson as a friend & mentor first as a 5th grader in high school where my School Superintendent Father, who could always recognize a great teacher & intellect, provided him the top floor of the old Cherokee high school as his first lab in Cartersville, ga for Etowah artifacts.
At 11 I would scurry up the steps & into the 700-1500 AD world of the ancients, sight unseen, at recess. Many of us local boys were
to benefit from our exposure to his knowledge as we helped excavate Etowah. Macro & Micro sciences were stimulated. There is no doubt that years later he led me to Rochester, Minnesota, and a career long interest in the diagnosis & treatment of musculoskeletal & connective tissue diseases. I regret that I never saw (Louie behind his back) his teaching influence remained as did my "hobbies" of Archaeology, Anthroplogy, Paleontology, the arts which have led my Neb. Wife & I to work
Medically with the Sioux Nd others. A magnificent man & a contribution will be made.--William H Brandon, MD,FACP,Mayo Clinic Emeritus
Jeffrey Durbin
December 6, 2012
Dr. Larson was certainly a giant in the field of Southeastern Archaeology. His absence will definitely become obvious.
Ray Luce
December 6, 2012
Lew made great contributions to Georgia's history and pre-history with his service as State Archaeologist and his work on the state review board.
Jerry Nielsen
December 4, 2012
One of the legends of Southeastern archaeology. He will be remembered.
December 3, 2012
I had the pleasure of studying anthropology under Dr. Larson and working by his side. He shaped many of the ideas I have about archaeology today. He will be missed.
Dave Davis
Mark Barnes
December 3, 2012
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Larson since 1974, when I first joined the National Park Service. Always helpful and professional.
Tony Lett
December 3, 2012
He was an inspiring professor who motivated many to pursue archaeology, Anthropolgy and teaching. He'll be missed but rememebered by his former studets
Pat Garrow
December 2, 2012
Sorry to hear of Lew's passing.
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