Gene passed away on Monday 2/10/25. He was at his home and peaceful with the love of his life of 68 years Hazel (Pearson) Larkin.
Gene spent his youth running the hills of the North Loup River Valley while hunting game for his family. He loved those hills and how far and fast he could run. Neighboring farmers would even comment on his abilities. Both shooting and agility.
Gene was stationed in Guam in the United States Army during the Korean War. He never attempted to get on a ship again. He worked at Cushman Motors in Lincoln NE and retired at the age of 56 in 1988. He met a lot of good friends and fine people in his years there.
Gene married his best fishing partner, Hazel on 3/10/1956. The hours spent on the water and in their boat “The Lucky Lady” are too numerous to count. Their favorite times were when friends and family would join them at the campsites. So many lifelong memories were made on those trips. As the years passed their favorite location was Merritt Reservoir in the Sandhills up by Valentine NE.
On these trips and at home, nothing was safe from being “fixed’ by Gene. His constant companions were his pliers and his JB Weld. JB Weld was often a Christmas gift for him! It made him happy.
He once took on a project for Hazel. Six elegant, classy, silhouette wooden deer. The wood was shaped and sanded to perfection; the delicate antlers of wood attached. Beautiful baby’s breath wreaths with the finest ribbon adorned their necks…. simply stunning. When mom got home from work that night, she had a surprise waiting for her. Gene had glued googly eyes on each one! To the drop of her jaw, he simply stated “well they had to be able to see!”
Like we said, nothing was safe from his creativity. And we loved him for it.
Gene (Larkin, Larky, Geno) loved pheasant and deer hunting. He loved his dogs. But mostly he loved children. His Grandkids and Great Grandkids plus the neighborhood kids, kids just stopping by, relatives’ kids, well you get the idea, brought him never ending joy. Giving them a coin from his pocket, a piece of candy from the jar on the kitchen table or a ride in his latest invention was a “good day”
Gene’s gardens were legendary and a huge source of pride for him. At one point he had 3 gardens on the block. The care he put into planting, weeding and watering was an everyday enjoyment for him. No weed would dare to appear when he had his hoe in his hands. Many friends and neighbors benefitted from his gardens. Radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant and green beans were harvested and shared. If there was too much he would donate to a free kitchen for the homeless. He never forgot those who struggled in life.
He loved his wife, brothers and sisters, family, and friends with his whole heart. He will be so missed.
Love you, Dad.
Still here is his loving wife of 68 years, Hazel; children Dan (Marcia) Larkin and Sue (Denny) Young; grandchildren Jared (Sarah) Larkin, Travis Larkin and Paige (Garrett) Elting; 5 great grandchildren, Turner, Lennon, Maverick, Olivia, and Vera; So many from Hazel’s family, extended family and friends. Up there to greet him are his parents Rex and Alma. Five siblings Dorothy, Leo, Fran, Gary, and Dale.
Celebration of Life to be held, 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 24, 2025, at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. A livestream link will be available 10 minutes prior to the service at roperandsons.com.
Memorials may be given to the family for future designation.
Link to Service Recording: https://vimeo.com/1059784621/03628277c8?ts=2848000&share=copy