The family of CPO 3 John Thomas Larimer, 27, of Crystal Lake, has requested that the Illinois Old Guard help them honor their fallen hero through all aspects of his escorts and service. All like-minded patriots and groups are invited to attend.

CPO 3 Larimer died suddenly on Friday, July 20, 2012, in Aurora, Colo. His life was tragically cut short as a result of a random act of violence.

Larimer, joined the Navy in June 2011 and was a cryptologic technician 3rd class. For the past year, he had been stationed at the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command station at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora.  

John was a 2003 graduate of Crystal Lake South High School, where he was active in the speech team, theater, band and academic team. In middle school he was a member of the Future Problem Solvers. He was also active in Boy Scouts. John's first job was at a movie theater and later at Chili's restaurant.

John graduated in 2008 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a dual degree in political science and history. He was involved with the History Honors Society.