Doyle E. Larson
1930 – 2007

Doyle E. Larson, age 76, died August 13 after a long battle with lung cancer. Doyle served as AFA National President from 1996 to 1998 and as AFA National Chairman of the Board from 1998 to 2000 and continued to serve AFA as a National Director Emeritus. He first joined AFA in 1975 and over the years was a chapter president, state president, and Vice President of the North Central Region, He received a number of awards including the medal of merit, exceptional service award, presidential citation and was Member of the Year in 2004.

Doyle was born in 1930, in Madelia, Minnesota, and attended Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1951 Doyle entered the Air Force and served over 32 years on active duty until his retirement as a major general in 1983.

He received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas, and a master's degree in political science from Auburn (Ala.) University. He graduated from the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in 1959, Armed Forces Staff College 1965 and the Air War College in 1971.

His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters and "V" device.

A memorial service was held on Friday, August 24, at the Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The family requested that memorial contributions be sent to the Air Force Association, American Cancer Society or the Mt. Olivet Church.

Doyle is survived by his wife, Lois, and four children. Notes of condolences may be sent to Mrs. Doyle Larson, 13509 York Avenue South Burnsville, MN 55337.

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