Janet Elaine Presley Larson's Obituary
Decatur-Janet Elaine (Presley) Larson, 73, of Gainesville, Florida formerly of Decatur passed away in her sleep peacefully on Monday, September 5, 2016 in her home.
Janet was born on 24 March 1943 in Decatur, IL, to Harry Coleman and Gertrude Ragsdale Coleman. She was the beloved mother of Lucia Kulp and devoted wife of James (Swede) Larson. She graduated from Lakeview H.S., Decatur, IL, and completed Criminal Justice work at Santa Fe C.C., Gainesville, FL. She began her career as one of the first Female Police Officers for the Gainesville PD, retiring in 1994 after 25 years of service. During that period, she also was a Reserve Police Officer for the Starke PD. She was a Special Agent for the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco from 1994-1995. Janet then worked for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation from 1995-2002, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, retiring in 2015 with 20+ years of service in food service inspection/regulations. Janet loved Law Enforcement, being a seamstress, and traveling world-wide. Janet was the Secretary and Member of the Board of Directors of Sun State Florida Credit Union, a spirited supporter of the Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network, Charter Member and Secretary/Treasurer of the Gainesville Police Department Association of Retired Police Officers, Member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Mattoon IL 3438), and member of the National Congressional Caucus for NAFCU.
She is survived by her husband, James (Swede) Larson of Gainesville, FL, daughter, Lucia Kulp of St Louis, MO, sister, Veronica McQueen of Decatur, IL, sister, Dora Escobar of Archer, FL, sister, Polly Hoover of Decatur, IL, brother, Larry Eckart of Decatur, IL, brother, Danny Eckart of Decatur, IL, and grandchildren, Sara Hussain, Juvad Hussain, and Zainab Hussain from St Louis, MO.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, eight brothers, and three sisters.
Graveside services to celebrate Janet’s life will be 2 PM Friday, September 16, 2016 at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the services in the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorials to Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network, 2100 NW 53rd Ave., Suite A, Gainesville FL 32653. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL are handling local arrangements. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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