Larry Russell Leaming, SSgt., USAF (Fallen)
February 08, 1945 – September 26, 1975

LEAMING, LARRY RUSSELL—Larry Russell, son of Russell R. and Jean Wright Leaming, was born February 8, 1945, at York, Neb., and died September 26, 1975, near Paderbourn, West Germany, where he was a flight engineer on a CH-53 helicopter which crashed in flight.

Larry was baptized and confirmed in the Congregational United Church of Christ, and later transferred his membership to First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, Neb.

His parents moved to Geneva in 1948, where he attended school and graduated from Geneva high school in 1963. He was a Boy Scout, and a member of the Geneva Chapter of Future Farmers of America.

He enlisted in the U.S. navy in June, 1963, where his work involved air rescue duty on helicopters on the aircraft carriers USS Midway and Coral Sea off the coast of Vietnam. He was discharged from the Navy in 1967.

In April, 1968, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he spent two years in the Philippines, a year in Thailand, and was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kas., and Hill Air Force Base in Utah. He had been in Germany for one year.

On May 18, 1969, he was married to Marylin Goerig at Hastings. They were parents of two sons, Rusty, five, and Bobby, four.

Larry was a member of Geneva Lodge Number 79 A.F. & A.M.

Survivors include his wife, Marylin; two sons, Rusty and Bobby; his parents, Russell and Jean Leaming; three sisters, Mrs. Dennis (Linda) Burg, Leann and Lorie Leaming all of Geneva.

Larry was a Staff Sergeant with the 601st Tactical Central Wing (U S A F E) and his commanding Officer wrote this tribute to him: “Since joining this organization, Larry earned a special place in the hearts of all with whom he served. In the diligent and able performance of his duties, he upheld the highest traditions and standards of the Air Force.”

Military services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 6, at the First congregational United Church of Christ in Geneva with Rev. Woodrow W. Wilson officiating. Music was furnished by Mrs. Willard Foster.

Active pallbearers were Offutt Air force Base personnel, who also furnished the firing squad and other members of the honor team. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Biester, Richard Ellison, Walter Clark, Randy Freeman, John Edgecombe Jr. and Stanley Tatro.

Masonic graveside services were also conducted by Geneva Lodge No. 79 Masons.

Interment was in the Geneva cemetery.

The Nebraska Signal 16 October 1975 page 5.