John Austin Larson, 50, of Sheridan died Friday, Oct. 4, 2002, at his home. A memorial service is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Revs. Ronald Nelson and Wilbur Holz officiating. Interment of cremains will be in Shelton Memorial Cemetery in Shelton, Wash. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Mr. Larson was born in Shelton Dec. 15, 1951, to Austin and Norma (Helmer) Larson. He graduated from Shelton High School in 1970. He enlisted in the Army in 1970 and served until 1973. He married Christine Flint of Shelton. They later divorced. He married Patricia Bents of Colorado Springs, Colo., March 18, 1983. They moved to Sheridan in 1984, and he worked as sales manager for Cobra Tires. In 1997, he started Grand Slam Security in Sheridan.

John enjoyed the mountains, four-wheeling, fishing and playing cribbage. He was known for his sense of humor, storytelling, handlebar mustache and cowboy hats. Survivors include his wife, Patty, of Sheridan; his parents of Shelton; brothers Bruce of Matlock, Wash., and David of Seattle; and two nephews.

Memorials are suggested to New Hope Community Church in care of Delphine Toner, First Interstate Bank, Box 2007, Sheridan, WY 82801.