Dale Larkins

Dale W. Larkins, 86 of Sebring passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Crandall Medical Center. Dale was born in Sebring on July 9, 1924 the son of the late Smith W. and Georgia E. “Dot” (Young) Larkins; he lived in Sebring his entire life. Following his graduation from Sebring High School in 1942, Dale enlisted in the US Army, serving in WWII in the Asiatic Pacific Theater with the 627th Quartermaster Refrigerator Company from 1943 until his honorable discharge in 1946. He remained in contact with members of his unit and attended several reunions. After a brief employment at Taylorcraft in Alliance, Dale was a longtime employee at Watson’s Sohio station in Sebring until he became owner and operator of Larkin’s Sohio in 1972 until its closing in 1978. Dale retired from the Sebring Local School District following 11 years of service. Mr. Larkins was a lifetime member of the VFW Cross of Malta Post 6730 and a member of the Sebring Fire department from 1947 until 1979, serving as Fire Chief for the last 8 years of his service. He was named Sebring Fire Department’s Fireman of the Year in 1983 by the American Legion McKinley Post 76. Survivors include a son D. Patrick Larkins of North Royalton and a daughter JoyceAnn (Thomas) Moore of Trenton, MI, 10 nieces and nephews, 22 great nieces and nephews and 9 great great nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Clarita D. (Duffy) in 1995, a sister Pearl “Jean” (Turner) in 1996 and a brother Charles Robert in 1965. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home at 1:00 PM with Rev. Mike Kimball officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home tonight on Monday, April 18, 2011 from 6-8PM. Burial will take place in Highland Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made in Dale’s memory to the Sebring Fire Department Equipment Fund. Friends may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.grfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home.

---