DODGE CITY - Larry D. Torson, 77, died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012 at home in Dodge City after a lengthy and devastating disease, C.O.P.D. He was born May 5, 1935 in Garden City, KS, the son of loving and supportive parents, Victor Torson, Sr. and Marion Francis (Holland) Torson. He married Norma Rumsey April 30, 1956 in Stevens, WA. She survives. Larry grew up in Dodge City and attended school there. Larry was a pipeline welder, a member of Local Union #798 of Tulsa, OK that took him all over the United States as well as international locations. In the late 1960's he chose to stay home in Dodge City, and take over the family business, Torson Pipeline Construction Co., retiring in the mid 1980's.

As a young man Larry brought great thrills and excitement to Dodge City and surrounding towns on Saturday nights at McCarty Speedway, racing his pink "rail" #55, that he and his father built.
After retiring from driver he continued his love in this field by owning sprint cars #1 and #11x. He assisted and mentored many young men in the racing industry. He continued to be an active part of racing by being a team member in designing and building race cars for many of Dodge City's great racing talents.

Larry grew up loving animals. He was known for raising wild crows, taming monkeys while working in the Philippines and bringing them from the jungle into his home. He loved his two great dogs, Cal and Cinnamon. He also took the greatest of pleasures, relaxing on a bank and fishing, dog at his side. Larry was a 32 Degree Mason.

He is survived by his daughter Lynn Torson and husband Mark Borchert, Dodge City, his son Rick Torson, Dodge City and his partner Kim Cofer, Kansas City, MO. Step daughter Cheryll Lewis and husband Al, Holt Summit, MO. Three grandsons, Tyson Hurley, Castle Rock, CO, Zachary Frankenfeld, Lawrence, KS, and Tayton Torson, Dodge City. Granddaughter, Brooklynn Torson also of Dodge City, KS. One great-grandson, Michael Alexander, Lawrence, KS. Several step-grand, great grand, and great great grand-children and many nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, Victor Junior Torson.

A tribute for Larry and gathering for family and friends to talk, reminisce, and feast will be held in Wright Park at the band shelter, Friday October 5, 2012. There will be no visitation as cremation has been requested. Burial at Greencrest Cemetary, Dodge City, KS will be private at a later date. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.