Posted on 11/06/2018
Samuel Harry Larsen, 71, of Quarryville, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Natalie Louise (Mahlow) Larsen, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. Sam is also survived by his three children and their spouses, Eric (and Rebecca) Larsen, Kristen (and Josiah) Huggins, and Hans (and Angela) Larsen, along with 11 grandchildren and one grandchild-in-law. Born in Sterling, KS, he was the son of the late Reverend Harold J., Sr., and Edna M. (Wasson) Larsen. Sam spent much of his formative childhood years growing up in Colorado Springs, CO, and was a graduate of Widefield High School in Security, CO, class of 1965. After High School, Sam proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for a total of 30 years, in active and reserve duty, as a surface warfare officer, including a combat riverine tour in Vietnam, as well as eventually as a chaplain, retiring in the rank of Commander. Sam graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1969, earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Foreign Affairs. His subsequent degrees included a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Covenant Theological Seminary, a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) from Reformed Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Intercultural Studies from Trinity International University. In 2014, Sam published his seminal book on Jonah, Gripped by a Global God: One Greater Than Jonah. In addition to serving in the Navy, Sam served in overseas missions in Kenya (where his youngest son was born) and later in Australia. With these experiences in mind, along with the fact that his wife, Louise, was born in India, Sam liked to identify himself as "an American, who married an Indian, fathered an African, and became Australian"-truly cross-cultural missions was at the core of his identity. Sam spent his final decade before retirement teaching missions and serving as academic dean, retiring as professor emeritus from Reformed Theological Seminary. True to his calling, he continued to use his gifts and talents preaching, teaching, and discipling many within his family, his community, and around the globe even unto his homegoing. Yet, his greatest priority remained caring for his beloved "sweetheart" amidst her declining health. A service celebrating Sam's life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2018, in the Ellingsworth Auditorium of Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community, 625 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville, PA 17566. In accordance with Sam's wishes, he will be buried at sea by the U.S. Navy at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sam's memory to NEXT, Mission to the World's international next generation ministry, https://www.mtw.org/missionaries/details/eric-and-rebecca-larsen . Arrangements entrusted to Dewald Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Quarryville. To leave an online condolence, please visit Sam Larsen's caring bridge website, https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/drsamlarsen.
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