Frank W. Larson USAF Lt/Col, Ret., 79, of Navarre, Florida, passed away Friday, November 3, 2017. He was born in 1937 in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1959. He then transferred to the Air Force, where he became a test pilot for the US Air Force. He was the test pilot for the Jolly Green Giant, where he flew cross country for flight trials and testing. While in the Air Force, he was the Project Manager for the Air Force’s initial Drone project around 1974. He then accepted a transfer to West Point United States Military Academy, where he taught Aeronautics. He completed his military career at Eglin Air Force Base, retiring in 1981. He and Jacqueline Larson then “retired” by opening a sail boat business, which they operated for 14 years. After the boat business, they found a lot on a mountain top in North Carolina, and built a real log cabin. During the hot Florida days, they were able to retreat to the cabin for quiet time. He then decided to become a Master Gardener and has just completed his 20 year service pin. He was noted for the Wildflower Gardens that he setup both at their North Carolina cabin and in Navarre Park. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Violet Larson; and his brother, Richard Larson. Frank is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; his sons, Scott and Douglas; brothers, Fred and Tom; as well as, Barbara Wagner and Lawrence “Rusty” Nell. Funeral Services for Frank W. Larson will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, November 10, 2017, at the Lewis Funeral Home Chapel in Navarre, Florida. Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., prior to the service. Military honors to be held at Barrancas National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. The family wishes to thank everyone at Emerald Coast Hospice, especially Sharon McGuagh for her loving care. The family also wishes to thank everyone at the Beacon for their friendship and caring, especially Mo Masoud for his kindness and making Frank laugh. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made, in Frank’s name, to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida. BY MAIL: Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida P.O. Box 1092 Pensacola, FL 32591-1092 BY PHONE: 850-433-9453 ONLINE: www.pensacolawildlife.com