Larry Gene Alderson

Larry Gene Alderson, 79, died Sunday, July 3, 2016, at his home in Emporia, Kansas. He was born August 10, 1936, in Great Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Gwenneth Alderson of Emporia and an infant brother, Roger. He is survived by brother Rodney of Desoto, a sister Marcia of Osage City, two daughters, Gayle of Topeka and Jennifer of Wichita, and three grandchildren Alex, Andy, and Amanda.

Larry attended Emporia schools and graduated from from Emporia State Teachers College in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in Music Education. He served four years in the military stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha as musician in that band. He later played in National Guard and Army Reserve bands. He taught one year in the Burlingame school system as vocal and instrumental music teacher. He also worked for the Santa Fe Railroad in the Emporia yards and for many years in the Topeka offices in the accounting department before retiring in 1997.

Larry's avocation and love was music, playing clarinet, saxophone, and flute professionally in local civic bands and in pickup/backup groups that performed in the Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, and Wichita areas. He played regularly with Marshall's Band in Topeka and in the Emporia City Band. He particularly loved jazz and was an aficionado of musicians and music of that era, collecting records and traveling to performances when possible.

A celebration of life event will be held at the American Legion hall in Emporia on Saturday, July 23, at 2:00. Internment will be at a later date at The Abilene Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Emporia City Band @Emporia Community Foundation, 501 Commercial, Emporia, Kansas 66801; or Hand in Hand Hospice, 1201 W. 12th, Emporia, Kansas 66801.