UPDATE: Funeral has been set for former Fayette prosecutor Ray Larson
UPDATE POSTED AUGUST 4, 2021 AT 3:02 P.M.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Visitation and funeral service information for veteran prosecutor Ray Larson is now available.
According to Milward Funeral Directors, Larson’s visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Lexington.
His funeral is set for Thursday, Aug. 5 at 1 p.m. also at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.
The family asks that instead of flowers, for contributions to go to the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, or Camp Horsin’ Around.
Attendees are encouraged to adhere to current personal safety protocols and guidelines for public gatherings.
ORIGINAL STORY POSTED AUGUST 1, 2021 AT 3:00 P.M.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Fayette County and Kentucky legal community are in
— Courtesy Fayette County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office Facebook
mourning following the death of long-time veteran prosecutor Ray Larson.
He died Sunday morning, Aug. 1.
Larson held the office of Commonwealth Attorney for almost 32 years, retiring in 2016 at age 73. He was known for handling some of the state’s toughest, most-famous cases and for his support for the death penalty over the years.
At his retiring, he told the Courier-Journal in Louisville he’d put at least “six or seven” people on the state’s death row.
His successor, Lou Anna Red Corn, announced his death on his former office’s Facebook page, describing him as a leader in the courtroom, for victims and in the community.
“If you had been around this community very long, you know that Ray Larson was a huge presence in this community,” says Red Corn. “Not just as a prosecutor and as Commonwealth’s attorney but I think there’s a lot of things that Ray began that are gonna have a lasting impact on this community.”
“Ray believed in the mission of a Commonwealth’s Attorney – to seek justice for victims, hold offenders accountable, and to make our community a safe place to live and raise our families. In many ways he helped develop this mission during the almost 40 years he served as prosecutor,” Red Corn wrote on Facebook.
He was known for handling some of the state’s toughest, most-famous cases and for his support of the death penalty over the years. Red Corn says some of Larson’s impact includes seat belt laws and prosecuting wrecks caused by drunk drivers as homicides instead of accidents.
“Ray wanted to make sure that victims knew that their rights were respected, not just in the courtroom but in all things we did,” says Red Corn.
“He believed the victims of crime deserved support. They deserved justice,” said Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton. “He was a big believer in justice and accountability.”
The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office describes Larson as being a “prosecutor’s prosecutor.”
“The lessons that he taught us you know 30 years ago stand hold today,” says Red Corn. “And that would was professionalism, honesty, responsibility and you know to sometimes stand up for things that may not be popular to stand up for.”
The death brought kind words from others.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of Ray Larson’s passing. Having served as Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney for nearly 32 years, Ray was a tireless advocate for victims’ rights. Please keep his family in your thoughts during this difficult time,” said Lexington Gorton.
“Ray was a fierce advocate for justice, and during his decades-long service as a prosecutor he honorably served the Lexington community. Makenze and I send our prayers to his family, friends, and colleagues across the Commonwealth,” noted state Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
“Britainy and I are saddened to learn of the passing of former Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Larson. We lift his family, friends and the entire prosecutor community up in our prayers,” Gov. Andy Beshear tweeted.
“Ray was an unapologetic and principled fighter, he led by example and advanced the cause of law and order,” Congressman Andy Barr said in a statement. “Ray Larson was a great patriot, who made a positive difference, and he will be deeply missed.”
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