Obituary of Raymond Lawrence Fransen

R. Lawrence "Larry" Fransen, 76, of Lakewood, passed away Wednesday December 26, 2018 in UPMC Chautauqua Hospital. He was born March 25, 1942 in Jamestown the son of the late O. Raymond and Hazel Lawson Fransen. Larry was a US Navy veteran serving on-board the USS Chikaskia (AO-54) from 1960-62. Following his retirement from the Navy and Navy Reserves, he went to work at the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities Electric Division, retiring after many years there. He was a life member of the American Legion Herman Kent Post 777 along with a member of the Am Vets US Naval Retired group. Larry was very active with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scout Master, Post Chapter Advisor, and as a member of the Order of the Arrow. He also earned the BSA Wood badge, was a Pow Wow Leader, and was awarded the Jack Sharp Memorial Adult Scout Award. An avid golfer, Larry was a member of Breezewood Links Golf Club and the Big Tree Sportsman's Club. During the Christmas season, he loved playing Santa Claus. Surviving are his son, Thure (Kristen) Fransen of Lakewood; and three grandchildren, Cody Fransen, Connor Moore, and Lucas Fransen. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia Seager Fransen whom he married December 31, 1966 and who died January 22, 2011 and his step-brother Robert L. Kamerson of Jamestown who died August 7, 2009. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday January 2, 2019 in the Lind Funeral Home where Military Honors will be accorded at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Merz, BSA, 5297 W. Lake Road, Mayville, NY 14757; or the Big Tree Sportsman's Club, 5207 Waltonian Dr., Ashville, NY 14710.