Kenneth Ray Larson

Kenneth Ray Larson was born September 15, 1937 to Lee and Allene Larson who were Hereford cattle raisers and sharecroppers in Clifton, Texas.   As a child, Kenneth lived in an old schoolhouse where he was born, and because of this, he always commented that,“I never got out of the schoolhouse”.  Growing up he had many responsibilities on the farm, and this was the foundation for his exceptional work ethic.

Kenneth attended school in Clifton from first grade until he graduated from Clifton High School.  While in Clifton, he was very active in FFA (Future Farmers of America).  As a junior in high school, he was the recipient of the Santa Fe Award for being one of the Top Ten FFA boys in the state of Texas. In addition to that, he was selected “Best All Around Senior Boy” by his graduating class, and he was the president of his senior class.  He graduated from Clifton High School in 1956.

After high school, Kenneth attended Baylor University. While most people in the agricultural community went to College Station, Kenneth commuted from Clifton to Waco so that he could continue to work on the family farm.  In his junior year of college, he received the American Farmer Degree and traveled to Kansas City to accept the award. He was also a member of the National FFA Alumni Association. He graduated from Baylor University in 1961 with a B.S. in Physical Education and a split minor in Education and Psychology.  He set out to reach his goal of becoming a teacher and coach.

His pursuit led him to Big Spring ISD in the spring of 1961 where he taught students and ran the Big Spring YMCA as the Youth Director of summer activities. His impact on young people had begun, and the legend of “Mr. Larson”, as we respectfully and lovingly addressed him, was born. In September of 1961, Dallas ISD hired him as a physical education teacher.  Mr. Larson always said that 30 students were on his class roll, but close to 100 students would show up for his class. He told them all if they were on time and worked hard,  they could stay. And stay they did! During this time, he was named Outstanding Young Educator of Oak Cliff.  In 1968, he received his M.S. in Physical Education from East Texas State University where he was a member of Kappa Delta Pi (an honorary education fraternity). He began post graduate work at East Texas State University, Baylor University, and SMU.  He also directed the summer program at the Kiwanis Club. He was proud to serve in the 36th Division of the National Guard from   1956-1966 and received an honorable discharge after his service.

In 1967, during 12 years of service in Dallas ISD, Mr. Larson married Carolyn Stegemueller, a graduate of Blinn College and the University of Texas at Austin.  Their family grew with the birth of 2 children, Lee and Kelle.

In the fall of 1972, because of his belief that the educational system could offer so much more, Mr. and Mrs. Larson founded DeSoto Private School. Mr. Larson’s mission in 1972 was to provide a top quality private school education at an affordable price for working parents.  He found a vacant church in DeSoto, and with hard work and sacrifice, the renovation began and the DPS legacy was born. The school began as a pre-kindergarten and day care program.  Over the years, the school evolved into a nationally accredited private school for children ages three through sixth grade.  DeSoto Private School has become an educational cornerstone in the South Dallas / Northern Ellis County area.  It was a rare occurrence to ever find a day that      Mr. Larson was not at DeSoto Private School impacting students’ lives. Mr. Larson’s educational philosophy of discipline and structure, grounded in love, created a successful learning program that has served thousands of children and their families over the years.  The lives affected by his educational vision span far and wide.

Mr. Larson was a lifetime member of the NAEYC  (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and the Texas Parent Teacher Association.

Even with the responsibilities of running a school, Mr. Larson found time to serve his DeSoto community.  He served on the Board of Directors at DeSoto State Bank and was chairman of DeSoto Parks Board for several years.

Returning to his roots, Mr. Larson established the Larson Running L Ranch in the city of his birth, Clifton, Texas.  Mr. Larson raised nationally recognized, award-winning Polled Hereford cattle.  His hard work led to several National Champions for the ranch. He was the honoree at the 2014 National Polled Hereford Show at the Fort Worth Stock Yards.  Over the years, he was  active in the American Hereford Youth Program setting up a foundation that awards annual scholarships to FFA youth, one of which is in the name of his ranch.

Mr. Larson, at the age of 86, still enjoyed spending time at DeSoto Private School where he served as a consultant while still directing affairs at his ranch.  He cherished time with Carolyn, his wife of 56 years. He was an inspiration to his family, friends, and students.  We are all blessed to have been a part of his life.  He will be missed, but his legacy will live on.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Allene Larson; his brother, Marvin Larson; and his sisters, Betty Stanford and Jeanette Jensen.  Kenneth’s spirit continues to support and encourage Carolyn Larson, his loving wife of 56 years; his brother, Richard Larson, and his wife Catherine Larson;  his son, Lee Larson, and his wife Heather Larson; his daughter, Kelle Lowe, and her husband Josh Lowe. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren: Leah Larson, Aubrey Larson, Emma Larson, Savannah Lowe, Brooke Larson, Levi Lowe, and Harper Larson.

In lieu of flowers, the Larson family requests that memorial gifts or donations be made to the children’s programs at First United Methodist Church of Red Oak, Trinity Lutheran Church in Clifton, or New Life Lutheran Church in Duncanville.

The family will receive friends at West/Hurtt Funeral Home, on Friday - August 16, 2024 from 5 - 7:00 P.M.

1st Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday - August 17, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, 600 Daubitz Dr., Red Oak, TX.

2nd Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday - August 19, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 803 W. 3rd Street, Clifton, TX under the Direction of Clifton Funeral Home, 303 S. Ave. F, Clifton, TX (254) 675-8611.

Burial will follow in Trinity Lutheran/Clifton Cemetery, 1000 S. Ave. G. (one mile from the church), Clifton, TX.