Edward (Ed) was born November 26, 1937 at Bayview Hospital in Pacific Grove, California. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Carmen Larkin, stepdad Ernest Perez, siblings; Alfred Larkin, Robert Larkin, Ernest Perez Jr., Carmen Perez Landeros and his ex-wife Ruth Flores Villegas Larkin.
He is survived by his wife Joyce (Jo) Elaine Sawyer Stallings Larkin, his 5 children; Michael Edward Larkin of Costa Mesa, California, Sally Larkin Mueller and Carmen Larkin Bell of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jason Stallings and Andrea Stallings Clontz of Smithfield, Virginia, 14 grandchildren; Kelsey, Andy, Chelsey, Megan, Brennan, Dylan, Kandyce, Ryan, Andrew, Anthony, Alex, Caysey, Joshua and Phillip, 15 great grandchildren; Fionna, Remi, Portia, Aubri, Jaeden, Alijah, Promise, Alizabeth, Love, Madison, Joseph, Samantha, Nia, Aaron and Harlee, 1 great grandchild expected May 19, Lyla, 1 great-great grandchild, Greysen, 9 siblings; Alexander Larkin, Charles Larkin, David Larkin, Joanna Larkin Swartz, Danny Perez, Richard Perez, Robert Perez, Priscilla Perez Toy and Lynda Perez Simpson and by many loving in-laws, nephews, nieces and long-time friends.
He had a fun personality and was a very likable person. In school, he acquired the title of “payaso de clase” (class clown in Spanish). He joined the Navy after his schooling. While in the Navy, he served on the USS Bennington and then as a Seabee stationed in Guam and U.S. NAVFAC Point Sur, Big Sur, California. He took pride in being a veteran for his country and was very patriotic.
He relocated his family to Firebaugh, California during his first marriage to work for his uncle in the trucking business. This sparked a trucker passion that went on for years trucking state to state. He then moved to Las Vegas in the early 80’s and never looked back. He fell in love with the desert air and landscape which was not surprising being that while living in Firebaugh, he excitedly created his desert landscape work of art in the front yard of the family home.
Ed and Jo were married on March 31, 2002 at the annual Easter family reunion in Soledad, California in the presence of his family. Since then, they were two peas in a pod, inseparable. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife of 20 years and traveling to spend time with family.
While living in Las Vegas, Ed had a few long-term jobs. He retired from being a maintenance supervisor from one of the largest apartment companies in Las Vegas. He had an exceptional work ethic. He was quite the people person and earned the respect of many co-workers over his long work history.
Ed had many hobbies, but his most memorable time was being part of the chase team for the “American Dream” hot air balloon team. It was a spectacular time and he also got to enjoy once in a lifetime balloon rides. Once he flew over the kid’s house and called from his cell phone just to say “hi, look up”. One of his bucket list items was to skydive, but he settled for the thrill of the SKYJUMP off Las Vegas’ Stratosphere. Jumping at 40 mph just under 830 feet above the strip. It was a sight to see.
He cherished spending time with his family, especially on family game nights. Every holiday was a reason to get the family together to eat and have fun which seemed to be all year round. One of his joys during Christmas was setting up his winter village, it was a true spectacle, family and friends looked forward to it every year. He loved playing the part of Santa handing out gifts to all the grandchildren which we hold dear to our hearts. He worked on his Santa look all year round just for that time. However, the elf volunteers were very scarce. All would say he was the life of the party, and he loved every minute spent with his precious family.
Husband, Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, we love you. Your smile was infectious, your hugs and kisses were plenty, your love for your family was beyond compare, and, in your absence, although hard to imagine, we will press on. You will be dearly missed, but the LOVE of your family is your legacy to us all. We shall celebrate the life you lived and be mindful of how important family was to you. May we honor you and say with confidence as we strive to be as good as your motto; great, outstanding, fabulous, and awesome each day of our lives and share it with those around us.
To God be the glory for blessing us with you in our lifetime...!
A memorial service for Edward will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123, followed by a reception from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the LARKIN family.
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