Larry Edward Red

Larry Edward Red of Centerton, AR gained his heavenly reward on January 14,2024 surrounded by loved ones at his home. He spent 80 of his 82 years in Benton County, AR. Larry was born in Yuba City, CA on August 21, 1941 to Charles William Red and Ioma (Browning) Red. Larry’s mother Ioma passed away suddenly when he was 13 years old, and his father remarried Letha Faye Cowgur Red, who was a wonderful mother to Larry and his siblings and grandmother to all of Larry’s children. Larry graduated from Bentonville High School in 1960, acting as co-captain of the Tiger Football Team, achieving All-District honors while also having the opportunity to be on one of the best Bentonville High School football teams of that era. He married Elizabeth Ann (Dunnaway) Red on May 29,1963, and the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. Shortly after, he began a career with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, where he worked for more than 30 years. Larry proudly stocked nearly every farmer’s pond in Benton County, along with every lake and pond in NWA, with catfish and other species, and loved coordinating school field trips to the Centerton Fish Hatchery, where he acted as manager for more than a decade. He also loved the annual Kids’ Fishing Derby at the Hatchery and made countless community connections with families in attendance throughout the years. Larry served for more than 20 years as a volunteer fireman for the Centerton Fire Department and was well known to be the head chef at Centerton Day while also participating in the Fireman’s Muster. He continued to serve the Local Police & Fire Retirement System until his fight with dementia prevented him from doing so. Sports were another lifelong passion for Larry, and he served multiple local youth sports leagues as a coach and umpire throughout the years, while also serving a stint as a women’s fast pitch softball umpire in the area. Lesser-known facts about Larry might include his victory as a write-in candidate for the position of Centerton Constable, his eight years of service to the Arkansas National Guard, and his membership at the Springdale Moose Lodge since 1999. His other favorite pastimes included dancing with Ann anywhere with live music, hunting, fishing and trapping (which often paid for the family’s Christmas gifts), and cultivating his half-acre garden at his home. The quality of his tomatoes and other fresh vegetables were well-known around the Centerton community.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Charles, mothers Ioma and Faye, and siblings Melba, Myrtle, Bill, Charlotte, and Cordella. He is survived by his wife, Ann Red, of the home, daughters Amy Gastineau (Buddy) & Stacy Whitmire (Everett), and son Shane Red (Stephanie), as well as their five grandchildren, Hannah Mahner (Cameron), Zoe Gastineau (Chaz), Isaac Gastineau, and Caroline and Carrigan Red. He is also survived by siblings Homer Poe (Sandy) of Leesburg, FL, Chuck Red of Centerton, and Deloris Carter of Rogers, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family wishes to thank Circle of Life Hospice for the exceptional care Larry received at the end of his life, and in lieu of flowers, suggests donations to the Centerton Fire Department or Circle of Life Hospice.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Larry’s life on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Bentonville Community Church (220 NW “A” St). A time of visitation will be held from 4-6PM, with a memorial service at 6PM. Larry sure wouldn’t want anyone to dress up on his behalf—so please wear your best jeans as we remember an outstanding member of the NWA community.