Larry Arnold Anderson

Larry Arnold Anderson, 78, of Longview, Texas, entered the presence of his Savior on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, following an extended illness. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara (Krohn); daughter Ginger Hoovler (David) of North Olmsted, Ohio; son Jonathan Anderson (Sarah) of Longview; and grandchildren Wilson and Joelle Hoovler and August, Natalie, Beatrice and Oliver Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Jean (Borthwick) Anderson, and his younger brother, Frederick Anderson.

Born Nov. 2, 1945, in Story City, Iowa, Larry grew up in northwest Arkansas, often quipping that he was a “mountain William (an educated hillbilly).” He attended Greenland schools before moving to Green Forest, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1963. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science with High Honors from Wheaton College (Wheaton, Ill.) in 1967, a master’s from Purdue University (Lafayette, Ind.) in 1969 and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Purdue in 1974.

After earning his master’s, he served on the math faculty at Wheaton College, during which time he met and married Barbara, who was working as a biology lab assistant. When Larry earned his doctorate, he and Barbara moved to Longview as he accepted a position as Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at LeTourneau College (now LeTourneau University).

During his tenure at LeTourneau he served as chair of the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science, worked in institutional research, chaired numerous search committees and served in many other behind-the-scenes roles at the university. He was also a “formidable foe” to the college students in badminton doubles. He was known as a gifted and beloved teacher by generations of LeTourneau students. When his health forced his retirement in 2017, he was the longest-serving faculty member in the history of the university.

Larry began collecting stamps as a boy and remained an avid stamp collector throughout his life, serving as president of the Longview Stamp Club for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, exploring the rural Arkansas forests in childhood and camping, hiking and canoeing with his family as an adult. He also loved music, playing in an accordion quartet as a young teenager and singing in concert choir in college. His resounding bass voice could be heard undergirding his church choirs for many years.

Always active in church, Larry served as longstanding treasurer at Hope Fellowship Church (Longview, Texas). In addition, he and Barbara still maintained regular connection with their Christian small group from their time at Purdue.

Larry was respected and loved for his quiet wisdom, brilliant mind and dry wit. He was known for his well-stocked pocket protector and his love of unusual neckties, only outdone by his longtime colleague Bill Graff.

Family and friends will celebrate the life and homegoing of Larry Anderson in a service at 4 pm Sunday, Oct. 27, at Hope Fellowship, 300 Hollybrook Dr., Longview, Texas. A reception will follow at the church. Arrangements are being handled by Lakeview Funeral Home, 5000 W. Harrison Rd., Longview (903-759-9493). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to an endowed scholarship established in his name at LeTourneau University ([email protected]) or to Hope Fellowship.