Clarence "CJ" Jack Larsen was born at home July 29, 1939, in rural Jewell County, Kansas. He was the son of Albert Henry Larsen and Ella Elizabeth (Liedtke) Larsen. He attended 1st grade at Prairie Gem School and then Jamestown schools, graduating from Jamestown High School, class of 1957.
He attended Wichita Technical School, with a certification of Electronics Technician.
He enlisted in the US Army September 1959, and served in the Kansas National Guard in Concordia, honorably discharged September 1965. He was a licensed radio operator and a certified sharp shooter.
He served as a supervisor for AT&T Longlines from 1960 to 1989. His knowledge of radio and electronics moved him up into management, even though he never went to college.
After “retirement,” he worked for a couple consulting firms researching and obtaining easements and right of ways for cell towers and fiber optics. He worked from Kansas City to Wichita and from Harlingen, Texas, to Hidalgo County, TX.
Married to Barbara Anne McDowell February 11, 1961, in Jamestown, and their 65th wedding anniversary was just celebrated.
He had numerous hobbies and interests. He went from motorcycles and tractors to jeeps and dune buggies. He loved to build things and fix things. He loved antique cars and airplanes and eventually got his pilot’s license and built his own plane. He volunteered in several flying club organizations and served on the Hays, KS Airport Advisory Committee. He dabbled in photography and was licensed in HAM radio. He loved to camp, 4 wheel and RV with family and friends.
He was a member of the 7th Day Adventist Church and enjoyed bible studies in that religion, but studied all religions to try to understand all aspects.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
His family, Barbara Larsen (wife), daughter Tracey Shaw, daughter Jennifer Pianalto and husband Patrick, grandchildren Madison Pianalto Bratschi and husband Zarek, Alyssa Pianalto and Zachary Shaw, extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have offered love, care, prayers, strength, compassion and comfort during his illness and passing. It has truly been a source of strength during this time.
Visitation was at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., with a graveside service following at the Jamestown Cemetery, Jamestown, KS, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with Celebrant Samantha Stensaas. Military honors were conducted by American Legion Post #76. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
