John E. Largen, Jr.

John E. (J.E.) Largen, Jr., of Kernersville, a loving father, grandfather (Paw-Paw), great grandfather and friend went to be with the Lord Sunday, May 2, 2010. He was born June 29, 1923 to John E. and Nell Stanley Largen. John was a lifelong member of Oaklawn Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon for over sixty years. After graduation from Sedge Garden High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps (Air Force). This service took him to England as a tail gunner on a B-24, as one of ""Ned's Nasty Nine"" during World War II. He enjoyed reuniting with this crew several times over the past few years. For over 35 years, he was employed by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company until his retirement in 1984. His greatest source of pleasure was his family and friends to whom he was deeply devoted. As his health declined, he resided at Kerner Ridge Assisted Living where he met many new friends and enjoyed being the resident practical jokester. On October 26, 2009, he was privileged to be a participant on the Triad Flight of Honor to Washington, D.C. To all who would look at his pictures and listen to his stories, he relived this wonderful adventure many times. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Kate Ervin Largen; his parents; two sisters, Maude Talley and Audrey Calcutt. He is survived by three sons, John E. Largen, III and wife Cindy of Kernersville, Don Largen of Winston-Salem, and David Largen of Kernersville; a daughter, Cheryl McKinney and husband Glenn of Winston-Salem; seven grandchildren, Ashley Largen (Cass) of Hydesville, Calif; Amy Phillips (Shannon) of Siler City, Andy Largen (Becky) of Charlotte, Erinn Nichols (Chad) of Mineral Springs, Emily Largen (Brad) of Fort Bragg, Mark McKinney (Ginger) of Greensboro and Michael McKinney of Raleigh; nine great-grandchildren, Justin, Luke and Elizabeth Phillips, Logan and Cale Nichols, Caroline and Tyler Largen, Katie and Meredith McKinney; one sister, Sylvia Cashatt of Fresno, Calif; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at Oaklawn Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Riggs and the Rev. Jim Saul officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens with military rites by the Military Burial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Triad Flight of Honor, P.O. Box 4613, Greensboro, NC 27404, thereby giving other World War II veterans the opportunity to enjoy this remarkable experience, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Special thanks to the staff of Kerner Ridge Assisted Living, Dr. Charles Stinson and the 9th floor Palliative Care staff of Forsyth Medical Center, and special friend Tina Long for the kindness and care given to our dad. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Memorials:
Triad Flight of Honor, P.O. Box 4613, Greensboro, NC 27404, or to a charity of the donor's choice

Cemetery:
Oaklawn Memorial Gardens

Visitation:
10:00am - 11:00am on May 5, 2010 at Oaklawn Baptist Church

Service:
Service at 11:00am on May 5, 2010 at Oaklawn Baptist Church