William Ellis Larkin Jr.

William Ellis Larkin 83, of St. Louis, MO husband of Arlene and father of Jerome (Carolyn). Born in St. Louis, Missouri to William and Zenobia Larkin. Served in the United States Air Force. Retiree of United States Postal Services. William (Piggy) Larkin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Christian Hospital Northeast. He was born on July 15, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri and was the 6th child of 11 born to William and Zenobia Larkin. Piggy was educated through the St. Louis Public School system and attended Sumner High School. Piggy enjoyed playing basketball and at a young age often played at Tandy Community Center and also on Sumner’s High School team. After high school Piggy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Turner AFB in Albany, Georgia. It was there that he met and married Arlene Coney in 1951. After completion of his military duties Piggy and Arlene moved to St. Louis, Missouri and shortly thereafter became an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. He remained employed for 30 years until his retirement in 1984. Piggy was baptized at an early age. He attended Trinity United Methodist Church and later joined Lively Stone Pentecostal Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Scott. Piggy enjoyed watching sports on TV, debating politics, doing yard work and listening to music. He always made time to talk to family and friends about his knowledge on history, geography, and knowing all about the city of St. Louis. Through his later years he felt a desire to host Larkin family reunions with barbecues. This was an opportunity to connect with his siblings especially sister, Carolyn whom he would call often and remind her of all his wisdom. He loved being around all his nieces and nephews. His nieces, Theresa, Janet and Kathy would visit or call so they too could be educated by all of Uncle Piggy’s knowledge. There were many years spent with daughter Jeanette cooking some of his favorite meals and often times just talking and joking around. He took great pleasure in helping his son Jerome coach a youth basketball team on which his grandson William played. Those were many wonderful years the 3 generations had the opportunity to bond. The last few years great grandson William Jr. began to play basketball but Piggy decided he was now a retired coach. Likewise, Piggy loved raising his grandson, Jerome (Pooh). Piggy especially loved the opportunity to be there for Pooh unconditionally. He often relied on Pooh for medical advice and helping him out with business matters that would occur. However, what gave him the most pleasure was opening up his home to family, friends and anyone in need. Surrogate son, Demetrius, Sisters-in-law, Rosa, Georgia, Sara and daughter Latricia were all touched by the kind generosity shown toward them during their years spent in the household. There was also a special place in his heart for nieces, Brittish, Brianna and Kennedy. Through his last journey of life sister-in-law Johnnie and daughter-in-law Carolyn would extend any assistance needed by them. Wife, Arlene was there for him every step of the way. Piggy and Arlene were married for 62 years. He was a loving husband, proud parent and generous grandparent. He will forever be missed but will never be far from our hearts. He leaves to cherish many wonderful memories; his wife, Arlene; children, Jeanette, Jerome (Carolyn); grandsons, Jerome Davon and William; great grandson, William, Jr., (all of St. Louis, Mo.); sisters; Carolyn Johnson, Merrillville, Indiana, LaDoris Shields, Cypress, Texas; brother, Ronald Larkin, Kansas City, Missouri; (mother, father and 7 siblings preceded him in death) mother-in-law, Dora Bell Coney, Albany, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Johnnie Washington, Marietta Chapman, Georgia Coney, Rosa Howard, Sara Coney, Elizabeth Hogan, Darien Hill; 1 brother-in-law, J. C. Coney and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

William Ellis Larkin Jr.

July 15, 1930 - May 6, 2014