Larry Gene Stephens

Larry Stephens of Hot Springs finished his earthly journey on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, peacefully at home and surrounded by his family. Larry was born at home on a snowy Dec. 29, 1935, in Hot Springs to Bernon (B.G.) and Martha Jean Stephens. The doctor had to spend the night with the family because of the weather. He was the oldest of three sons, his two siblings being Mike (deceased) and Richard.

Survivors are his wife of 59 years, Gwen,, son Jeffrey M. (Cindy), daughter Kerry Johnson (Chip), brother Richard (Stevie); grandchildren Corbett and Carder Stephens, and Abby and Cooper Johnson; sisters-in-law, Janice Meyers, Sandy Tooke, and Martha Stephens.

Larry graduated from Hot Springs High School and was an All-State basketball player for the Hot Springs Trojans. After a year at East Texas State College, he returned to Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.

While at the university, he was a member of Sigma Nu, Theta Tau, and in the Army ROTC. He attained the rank of captain in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Larry began his career in the wood products industry at the Dierks Forest Paper Mill in Pine Bluff, Dierks Forests, Inc., at Weyerhaeuser, and was a co-founder of Hot Springs’ Mid-South Engineering Co., one of the largest engineering consultant groups serving the forest products industry. He also served as chairman of the Mid-South Board. A dedicated professional, he loved his work and fellow employers and continued to work into his eighties.

Larry’s philosophy about service is that it should be everyone’s responsibility to humankind — whether it’s through financial giving or the giving of one’s time to improve the world in which we live.

Throughout his adult life, Larry was actively involved in church and community activities, usually in a leadership role. He served on the Hot Springs: Airport Commission, the Hot Springs Civil Service, and Water Commissions, Civic Auditorium Committee, the Garland Co: Industrial Development Corp, United Way, Hot Springs: Fifty for the Future, Area Community Foundation Board, the Oaklawn Foundation Board, and the Levi Hospital Board. He was on the Ouachita Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.

Larry was a lifetime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and served as a deacon, elder, youth leader, and a myriad of committees, always contributing to them with a reverent responsibility.

As a proud University of Arkansas graduate, Larry also gave back to and through his alma mater as a way to repay the University for his education and campus experiences. He was a past president of the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors and served on the Spa City Razorback Board. He was the founding president of the Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineers and served on the University’s National Development Council. He served on the Campaign Arkansas Engineering Committee and the College of Engineering Advisory Council. He was a charter member of the Chancellor’s Society.

Larry received several honors during his life. Most notably, he was recognized as the Arkansas Professional Engineer of the Year, Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year. He was inducted into the University of Arkansas College of Engineering Hall of Fame and was honored by the U of A with the College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award and the Andrew J. Lucas Service Award.

Larry loved seeing his grandchildren become fine young adult and enjoyed beach time with family and friend. Watching sports, playing tennis, and interacting with people were special pastimes.

Special gratitude is given to Arkansas Hospice and the multitude of medical personnel who provided Larry excellent care and support over the past few years.

Arrangements are by Gross Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, May 9, at Gross. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, May 10, a Westminster Presbyterian Church and due to COVID precautions, will be limited to family, close friends, and close business associates.

Because Larry was a devoted man of faith and active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3919 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71913, those who wish to do so may make contributions to the church in his memory or to the philanthropy of one's choice. A wonderful tribute to Larry would be the occurrence of many, many "Random Acts of Kindness."