James "Don" Donald Larkin

James Donald (Don) Larkin passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona, at the age of 77. Don was born to Alma Clark Larkin and William “Bill” Francis Larkin, Jr. in the family home in rural Fulton, Kansas on February 20, 1948.

Don attended Fulton Elementary School and High School where he excelled academically, and athletically with his school basketball team, the Fulton Bearcats, coached by Art Frisbee. Known as “Donnie” in the local area, he was loved by players and fans, while “booed” by opponents for his ability to score and make plays. After graduation in 1966, Don went on to play basketball for the Greyhounds of Fort Scott Community College and Wildcats of Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. While at Baker, he met his future wife, Sue Wyrick, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Communications, graduating in 1970.

Shortly after graduation, Don was hired as a radio personality at KIUL Radio in Garden City, Kansas. In 1971 he and Sue were married. Don was later promoted to News Director of the station.

Don and Sue moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1973 to explore new job opportunities. Don learned the life insurance business at Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. He also became a licensed investment representative in 1974. He became an independent agent and opened his own office in 1980, when Sue was able to join him as his office manager, and later as his business partner. In 1983 he was one of 14 founders of Financial Network Investment Corporation, a national securities broker/dealer headquartered in Torrence, California. The company later became known as Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC. As a Founder, he was a Regional Director in Arizona where he led a team of investment representatives until his retirement in 2020. Don’s licensed investment advisory firm, Larkin & Associates, was located in Sun City, Arizona from1982 to 2006 before moving to Surprise, Arizona. After a long and successful career Don sold Larkin & Associates to his son Michael.

Don and Sue were fortunate to be able to travel the country together to watch their sons play in out- of -state soccer tournaments, and to travel to other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, France, and Hong Kong for business. Don was a sports fan, especially of KU Jayhawks basketball, and Kansas City Chiefs football. He followed the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) always on TV, and often in person at the Phoenix racetrack as well as Topeka and Seattle racetracks.

Don’s last years were spent dealing with a rare neurological condition known as PSP. He faced each setback in his health with determination to make the best of his situation at the time. Just as in life and business, he met each challenge head-on.

Don leaves his wife of 54 years, Sue, of the home; sons Michael (Gina) of Phoenix, and David (Kristine) of North Bend, WA; grandchildren Marissa Powell (Marshal), Matthew, and Ryan, all of Phoenix; and brother Bob (Jan) of rural Fort Scott, KS.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W Northern Ave., Glendale, AZ. Viewing will be at 9 am with the funeral at 10 am. Lunch will be available after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Don’s memory to the Make a Wish Foundation at https://wish.org.

(Due to the expected heat, the recommended attire is business casual.)

A graveside service will take place at Resthaven Cemetery from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on the same day.