Albert Noel Larsen of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 24, 2024, at Mercy House in Chambersburg, PA, having suffered a stroke on September 6, 2024. Al was born in Harlan, Iowa, to Albert James and Jeanette (Petersen) Larsen. Being a “preacher’s” kid, Al lived in several towns in Iowa and Nebraska, and graduated from Pawnee City High School in Nebraska in 1957. He met his future wife, Shirley (Blecha) in high school and they were married September 7, 1958.
Al joined the US Air Force in January 1958 after serving six months in the Army Reserve. His military career spanned 1957-1977 where he served at bases in Mississippi, Germany, Illinois and finally at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Al worked as a Computer Programmer for twenty years in the Air Force; then with private companies until finally retiring in 2002.
Al and Shirley were blessed with a daughter and three sons. In civilian life they lived in Forestville, Edgewater and California, Maryland. In 2018 they moved to their current home in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. They enjoyed traveling and attending Southern Gospel music events in Myrtle Beach and Pennsylvania.
Al loved the Lord and studying God’s Word. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Callaway Baptist in Callaway, Maryland and most recently, Central Baptist in Mont Alto, PA. He served in these churches as treasurer, deacon, trustee and usher. He loved anything associated with cars, and watching football and auto racing on TV, and most of all: visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Al is survived by his wife, Shirley; one daughter, Barbara (Dennis) Barnhart of Blue Ridge Summit, PA; son Albert D (Julie) Larsen of Prince Frederick, MD; son Brian (Denise) Larsen of Milton, PA; and son Mark (Carmen) Larsen of York, PA. He is also survived by granddaughters Robyn Barnhart of New Carrollton, MD; Stacie (Joe) Worthington of Sparks, NV; and April Larsen of Johnstown, PA; grandsons, Daniel Barnhart of Blue Ridge Summit, PA; Albert J Larsen of Melbourne, FL: Andrew Larsen of Warner Robins, GA; Nick Larsen of Pittsburgh, PA and Thomas Larsen of York, PA. Also, survived by several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a brother, David Larsen, of Morgan Hill, CA. He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Larsen in Virginia and a grandson, Travis Larsen, in Johnstown, PA.
Services will be held 10:00 A.M., Monday, October 21, 2024, at Central Baptist Church, 6025 Anthony Highway, Waynesboro, with Pastor John Buhr officiating.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service Monday morning in the church.
Burial will follow in Garrison Forrest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forrest Road, Owing Mills, MD.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mercy House, 730 Norland Ave, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or Central Baptist Church, 6025 Anthony Hwy, Waynesboro, PA 17268.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, PA is handling the arrangements.
