Francis Erling Larsen

Francis E. Larsen was born to Erling and Alice Larsen on November 12, 1925 in Mobile, Alabama. He lived on Government and Senator Streets while growing up, back when Florida Street was still a dirt road and the city limits ended just outside the Loop. At the age of 18, in 1944, Frank signed up for the Navy and went to school to become a Radar Tech on a ship during WWII for approximately two years, in the overseas arena. Upon being discharged, he joined the Naval Reserves.

Frank married Daphne Blankinchip in 1948, at the age of 22. They were happily married for almost 75 years, until her death in May of this year.

Frank was called into active duty during the Korean War as a Radar Tech on the United States East Coast – stationed in Norfolk, VA – where they lived for a short time. When he was discharged, they returned to Mobile where he worked in several different local businesses, including Mercury Freight Lines and Dog River KOA.

Frank was also a volunteer builder for the Home of Grace for many years, as well as various other things at Spring Hill Baptist Church.

Frank is survived by 12 nieces and nephews who live in and around Mobile, as well as Birmingham, Montgomery, Atlanta, GA, San Antonio, TX, and Illinois. There are also 23 great-nieces and great-nephews.

He will be greatly missed by all of his numerous family and friends. He was truly a member of the “Greatest Generation” in American History.

Visitation for Frank will be held at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Mobile on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., with a funeral service immediately following. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery on Dauphin Island Parkway.