A Husker whose academic path was diverted into a lifetime of service by the upheaval of World War II is being celebrated by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Lincoln’s Marion (Patton) Larmon — who is 103 years old and attended the University of Nebraska from 1939 to 1941 — received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during the university’s graduate and professional commencement Dec. 20 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
“This is an unexpected honor, that’s for sure,” Marion said. “I really do appreciate it. Completing my degree is one thing I’ve always wished I had accomplished. We are — and always will be — a Husker family.”
In fall 1941, Marion was in her third year at Nebraska U and well on her way to earning a bachelor’s degree focused on music.
She lived at home to save money, but the Lincoln High School graduate was an active member of Alpha Phi sorority. She loved being part of the campus community, spending time in English courses, practicing her singing, and strolling by the Coliseum, Morrill Hall, Temple Building and Nebraska Union.
“It was during the Great Depression, and I was excited to be doing anything that would help produce a steady income,” Marion said. “But it was a great time to be on campus, surrounded by all the magnificent buildings and history.”
That fall, she met Harold Larmon, a business student from McCook, Nebraska, who would become her husband. Their paths crossed during an Alpha Phi exchange dinner and dance with the fraternity men of Alpha Tau Omega.
Harold — as it turned out — was a magnificent dancer, an activity that Marion adored. The two Huskers would dance just twice that night before Marion had to leave for home.
Days later, they began dating.
Weeks into the courtship, the ground shifted as the nation reacted to the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.
Six months later, the two were engaged and Harold, having earned his business degree, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After Harold completed officer training school, the couple married on Oct. 10, 1942, in the national cathedral (while it was under construction) in Washington, D.C. Just two months later, Harold, an artillery officer in the Marines’ 6th Defense battalion, shipped off to war in the Pacific theater.
During this whirlwind period, Marion had dropped out of college and had made plans to live with her family — which had relocated to San Diego, California. She also applied for and was hired to work as a transcriptionist for the FBI.
“I heard that the Department of Justice was hiring and paid well,” Marion said. “I went into the Omaha office and took the test there. Next thing I heard via telegraph was that I had been appointed to report as a stenographer at the FBI office in Washington, D.C.”
Unable to afford rent in the nation’s capital, Marion responded that she would accept the offer but needed to work in the San Diego field office. Days later, a second telegraph was sent by J. Edgar Hoover, then director of the FBI, telling her to report to the San Diego office.
Marion worked in that role, taking dictation from agents returning from field investigations, until Harold returned from the war 25 months later. With the fighting ended, the couple settled in McCook, where Harold started a career in the banking industry. They would live there for more than 60 years.
While raising a family in McCook, Marion was active in the community. Her many roles include serving as a soprano soloist in the church choir and community chorus; a member of the Matinee Music Club; and on the school, hospital foundation, United Fund and University of Nebraska Foundation boards.
In the late 1960s, Marion took up flying and earned her instrument and glider ratings and a commercial pilot license — something she used often, including cross-country flights. She was instrumental in organizing an official stop in McCook for the Powder Puff Derby, a national air race for women pilots.
For the past 15 years, Marion has resided at The Landing in Lincoln and has served on the resident advisory council as chair. She also had prominent roles in four annual melodrama productions.
While she never completed the final dozen or so credits toward her degree, Marion has remained a staunch supporter of higher education. She and Harold made sure their children were able to be attend college and the couple established a scholarship fund that has supported McCook High School students seeking degrees in business or fine and performing arts.
“I am so happy we have been able to help other Huskers earn their degrees,” Marion said. “College is important. I did not complete my degree, but I learned everything I needed while I was there. We were successful in our lives because of what we learned at the University of Nebraska.”
