Lawrence O. Bearson

Lawrence O. Bearson “Larry” lost his brave battle with cancer on August 23, 2023 while surrounded by family.

The eldest child of Clarence and Violet Bearson, he was born on November 23, 1937 on the family farm in Osakis, Minnesota.  Followed by siblings Clara Jayne Walsh (Rollie), Merilyn Maanum, Gene Bearson, and Myron Bearson (Norma).

During high school, he began his military career in the National Guard, He then went to nursing school in Duluth, MN.  On a mission to become a Nurse Anesthetist, he joined the United States Air Force and became a student of anesthesia at St. Cloud Hospital School of Anesthesia.  This is where he met his bride, Rose Etta Yackley, who was one class ahead of him. They were married on October 6, 1962.

Rose and Larry and their three adorable children traveled the world as a proud military family.  Duty stations included Vietnam, Philadelphia, Grand Forks, San Antonio, Germany, Biloxi, and Fort Worth. After returning from a tour in Vietnam, he earned the prestigious Bronze Star and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Larry retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1981, and then began his civilian medical career with the Singing River Hospital system as a Nurse Anesthetist.  He retired from the hospital after 20 years of service. 

He is survived by his children, Amy Lundy of Vancleave, Mississippi, Brad Bearson (Shawn) of Ames, Iowa, and Alicia Yanik (Douglas) of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.  The joy of their lives were their grandchildren, Bryce Bearson, Calvin Yanik, and Dunkin Bearson.

Larry was a master gardener and enjoyed countless hours with his hundreds of plants.  He raised prize winning orchids and for many years he was the go-to guy that the local florists would contact when they needed the beautiful flowers for weddings and events.

Larry was active in many groups throughout the years including the Gulf Coast Orchid Society, Ocean Springs Hospital Auxiliary, VFW Post 2132 serving as Commander and last as Bingo Supervisor, and Christus Victor Lutheran Church where he had been a member for over 45 years.

There will be a Celebration of Life service for both Larry and Rose Bearson at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Ocean Springs, MS on Sunday, September 17, 2023.  Visitation from 2pm-3pm, service at 3pm.  Interment will be at the Biloxi National Cemetery on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 10am.  Memorials can be made in Larry and Rose’s names to Christus Victor Lutheran Church.