Donald George Larson

September 5, 1933 - June 29, 2025

Fresno, California - Corrected Service Information - The funeral service for Donald George Larson will now be taking place at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, located at 202 N Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California, 93706 on Saturday, July 26, 2025, starting at 10:30 am. All who knew and loved Don are welcomed to attend.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee from Jul. 18 to Jul. 20, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Larson

26 Entries

Jeffrey Woods

Earlier today

My deepest condolences. Don was on my mind recently. He helped my family in our time of trouble and me personally. I am a high school history teacher these last 28 years and I know that having spent sometime in and out of his class he has impacted how I do what I do. His life has impacted the world for the better.

Gene Chandler

July 28, 2025

My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Larson. I was his student at FCC in 1967. I always enjoy seeing him on tv. Thank you, Mr. Larson.

Kathleen Eads

July 26, 2025

What a wonderful day filled with memories for the wonderful Don Larson. His life impacted many. Don was one of my father's best friends and it was an honor to know him. God bless the family in their time of need. May God continue to heal you from your loss.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Signe and Pat Brill

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Ray Silva

July 24, 2025

I was in Don Larsons History class 1969 he was the best professor I ever knew with his knowledge and humor.

Kathy Chamberlin(Magnuson)

July 24, 2025

Don was one of the most interesting people I have ever known. I attended church with him in my younger years and housesat his dog for him and Carol. I was always encouraged by them to further my education. He made my wedding cake for me and was there when my parent's passed. I will always have a place in my heart for him. Till we meet again

Paul Robinson

July 20, 2025

He was a great friend and fellow collector and enjoyed sharing his hobbies with other people. Most of all he was a kind person.

Joey Ferguson

July 20, 2025

Night Baker Fresno City College 1978 with Beverly he came into the bakery once in awhile and talked I'll miss him

Stephens & Bean Chapel

July 17, 2025

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Jeff Klein

July 16, 2025

I first met Mr. Larson as a student in his history class at Fresno City in 1973. As a member of the Football team he met me on the way out of class to introduce himself personally. From then on I was his friend which is the way He treated everyone, calling me into his office occasionally to check how I was doing. On our first visit he wanted to know if I knew The Lord because he lived his faith out as we all should and to this day I haven't forgotten that. Over the years we would run into each other at funerals and different events and had the chance to briefly catch up. Don had a great Influence on me and on thousands of the young people He taught over the years. My heart felt condolences to you, His family for your loss, but I know He is resting with Our Savior and we will see him again one day.

Warren Armstrong

July 15, 2025

Deepest condolences to Mr. Larson's family and friends. I always enjoyed interviewing Don for his observations as a political analyst. "People vote their pocketbook" he would say and he was usually right. Occasionally, I would talk to him at his home and when we didn't discuss politics, he would get a twinkle in his eye speaking about trains, Christmas, and cooking. Thank you, Don. It was a pleasure knowing you. God Bless.

Tom Smith

July 15, 2025

I remember Don back in the 70's at Mclane high school when he would show up ten minutes before game time to run the clock for the boys varsity basketball team. He was always pleasant to be around. He will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to his family!

Jan Boling

July 15, 2025

I feel so blessed to have had Don in my life. Over the years we shared so many treasured occasions. My sons´ graduations, their weddings and the births of my grandchildren. We also shared the losses of our spouses, family members and friends. Through it all, we shared a strong belief that Jesus is our Savior and with that in mind, that we would be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven. I´ll see you again, dear friend. I know you´ve been welcomed with loving arms and acknowledgement of a job well done!

Karlene Ryan

July 14, 2025

Mayo and Karlene Ryan along with their sons, Mark Ryan, Mayo Patrick Ryan and daughter Tara Ryan extend much love to Don's family. Don became like a member of our Family visiting often but especially Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday (often bringing a Bunny cake) to our family. We all loved his creativity at Christmas, with baking cakes and sharing the World's Fair collection and Faberge egg favorites. Don called often and shared our lives with his love and inspiration. Carol taught all four Ryan offspring at RuthGibson Kindergarten and we loved the time we had with her. I'm so glad that they are sharing that Heavenly peace, Mayo and Karlene and family,

Maricela Tapia

July 13, 2025

So blessed to have been taught history, my least favorite subject in the world, by Mr. Larson! His love of students, and ability to relate to everyone, deeply moved me. He was a true gentleman and intelligent in every way possible (intellectually, morally, emotionally, and humorously). He made it impossible to fail his class. His passion for history, his unselfish interest in making a difference in this world every way he could, drove him to help his students succeed. I could not have enjoyed history class without his passion for the subject, delivery and touch of wit and humor. I appreciated all the recorded text readings he produced and made available for busy students. He was my first experience of audio books!
Genuinely, one of a kind human and soul. What a privilege to have been his student! Condolences to the family. Mr. Larson and the family will be in my prayers.

Chuck Cecil

Planted Trees

Mark and Denise DeFendis

July 13, 2025

Mr. Larson was a wonderful teacher. My husband and I both enjoyed his classes at Fresno City. His wit and ever popular holiday appropriate jackets are unforgettable. Our sympathy to his family. We feel so fortunate to have known him.

Victor ortiz

July 13, 2025

Great person, awesome teacher. History and Western civilization class at Fresno City college 1978. My deepest condolences to the Larson family.

MaryJane Steggall

July 13, 2025

I have very fond memories of Don and his wife Carol as well. He was a close and treasured friend of the Steggall family.

William Matesso

July 13, 2025

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved friend. What a legacy he has left behind: friend, neighbor, teacher, community advocate and supporter. Our lives have been blessed by knowing Donald George Larson for over 55 years.

Jay and Frances Cardillo

July 13, 2025

A wonderful friend.

Benita

July 12, 2025

I took Mr. Larson´s American History class at FCC in 1968. I didn´t care for history classes and had flunked the previous attempt the year before at FCC.
I had to transfer and had to pass that class. So, I walked in to his class with an open mind.
Mr.Larson completely blew my mind after the 2nd week of his class. I suddenly realized that history was a living record of America and it was still living and developing daily because of his insight. Suddenly it was real, right there in a room in the old building. This man had opened my mind to thoughts and images that I´d never imagined before taking his class. I am still stunned at how he was able to do that. I loved his class and did in fact earn a "B" grade. I will never forget him, his knowledge, his kindness, and how he was able to interpret history so that it was interesting and enjoyable to everyone.
Thank you sir, you are still my FCC favorite, and yes, I still enjoy American History to this day!
Benita Funk

Paulette JanianMelkonian

July 12, 2025

My apologies to the Larson family for confusing Donald Larson with Phil Larson. My deepest sympathy and sincere apology for the error. Paulette Janian Melkonian

Paulette Janian Melkonian

July 12, 2025

My sympathy to the family of Donald Larson. I did not know him well, but I do remember he served the people of Fresno County as a member of the Board of Supervisors, and he made remarks at various public gatherings. I also remember his brother Galen who was the Fresno County Clerk for many years. It is clear from the biography that Don Larson contributed in so many ways to our community and we should all be grateful for his enrichment of so many lives as a teacher and public servant. The family should be proud of the Larson family legacy. Sincere sympathy, Paulette Janian Melkonian

Robert Shuman

July 12, 2025

I had Don as a history teacher at FCC. He made history fun and interesting. What a great educator. He will be teaching History in heaven now. God Bless

Linda Stark

July 12, 2025

Mr. Larson was my most favorite teacher when attending Fresno City College. I disliked history, until the day I walked into his classroom, and history was my favorite class that day forward. Mr. Larson was loved by all his students, and he will be truly missed by so many that had the privilege of knowing him. My condolences to his family, may our heavenly Father wrap His loving arms around all of you as you go through this most difficult time.

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