Kent Preston Larson

Kent Preston Larson, a native son of Burley, Idaho, and a recent resident of American Fork, Utah, died Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Highland Glen Assisted Living Center in Highland, Utah. He was 81. Cared for at home until just a few days prior to his passing, Kent had been ill for several months and had recently declined.

Kent was born November 24, 1944, in Burley, Idaho, the son of Freddie Tolman Larson and Laverne Preston Larson, and spent his young life attending school and making friends in his hometown. He graduated from Burley High School in the class of 1963 and always cherished the memories he made with everyone he knew. After a year at Ricks College, he served a mission in the New England States for the LDS Church and then returned to attend Brigham Young University with several of his Burley friends, graduating with a BS degree in 1969.

Kent was drafted into the army upon graduating from college and sent to the DMZ in Korea after basic training. He was introduced to his future wife, Lynne, once he returned, and they eventually made Burley their home.

An avid photographer with great admiration for the revered Ansel Adams, Kent had a keen eye for natural beauty and graced his home with many fine examples of his own black and white images. In his darkroom he worked to perfect his craft and taught his children to appreciate the slow process of artistic creation. Proud of the beauty he produced, he became a media specialist for the Minidoka County School District. He worked there for 25 years before his retirement in 2006. Kent and Lynne then moved to American Fork, Utah, while remaining close to many friends and relatives in Idaho. They have also traveled across the world together, marveling at the art and architecture that Kent loved.

Kent is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Lynne Bitrick Larson, and their three children: Ann (Michael), Brett, and Beau (Ashley). His sister Linda Beauvais, and brothers Kris and Bryon also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Renee.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the American Fork LDS Stake Center, 240 S. Center Street, American Fork, Utah, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing prior from 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in the American Fork Cemetery.