Janet Elaine Larson's Obituary
Janet Elaine (Presley) Larson, age 73 of Gainesville, passed away in her sleep peacefully on Monday, 5 September 2016 in her home. Janet was born on 24 March 1943 in Decatur IL to Harry Coleman and Gertrude Ragsdale Coleman. She was the beloved mother of Lucia Kulp and devoted wife of James (Swede) Larson. She graduated from Lakeview H.S., Decatur, IL, and completed Criminal Justice work at Sante Fe C.C., Gainesville, FL. She began her career as one of the first Female Police Officersfor theGainesville PD, retiring in 1994 after 25 years of service. During that period, she also was a Reserve Police Officer for the Starke PD. She was a Special Agent for the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco from 1994-1995. Janet then worked for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation from 1995-2002, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, retiring in 2015 with 20+ years of service in food service inspection/regulations. Janet loved Law Enforcement, being a seamstress, and traveling world-wide. Janet was the Secretary and Member of the Board of Directors of SunState Florida Credit Union, a spirited supporter of the Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network, Charter Member and Secretary/Treasurer of the Gainesville Police Department Association of Retired Police Officers, Member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Mattoon IL 3438), and member of the National Congressional Caucus for NAFCU.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, eight brothers, and three sisters. She is survived by her husband, James (Swede) Larson of Gainesville FL, daughter, Lucia Kulp of St Louis MO, sister, Veronica McQueen of Decatur IL, sister, Dora Escobar of Archer FL, sister, Polly Hoover of Decatur IL, brother, Larry Eckart of Decatur IL, brother, Danny Eckart of Decatur IL, and grandchildren, Sara Hussain, Juvad Hussain, and Zainab Hussain from St Louis MO.
The family will receive friends Thursday, September 8, 2016, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street. A memorial service will be held Friday, September 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Westside Baptist Church, 10000 West Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL. At the conclusion of the service, the Gainesville Police Department will render appropriate honors for a Law Enforcement Officer. Burial will take place after a graveside service at Graceland Fairlawn Cemetery in Decatur, IL after final arrangements are made at that location. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorials to Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network, 2100 NW 53rdAve., Suite A, Gainesville FL 32653.
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