Larry Vancuren

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Larry Marlin Vancuren, 78, of Southwest City, Missouri, passed peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, due to complications from a stroke in July. His loving wife, Jamie, never left his side.

Larry was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on October 24, 1946, the eldest child of Oliver and Lois (Clark) Vancuren. The family lived in Ponca, Harp Creek, and Dogpatch, Arkansas, until 1957, when they moved to Harrison, where Larry graduated high school in 1963. 

After graduation, Larry moved in with his uncle and aunt, J.E. and Billie Clark, to attend college at The University of Arkansas. While going to church with his aunt and uncle, Larry got to know a local Springdale girl, named Jamie. The rest, as they say, is history. Larry married James Anna (Jamie) Armes on May 27, 1967, in Springdale, Arkansas.

In June of 1967, Larry graduated college with a degree in education. He taught school and coached in Southwest City, Missouri for three years, then taught in Russellville, Arkansas for two years, before returning to Southwest City for a career change into banking. Larry dedicated 50 years to the customers and staff at The Cornerstone Bank, building not only business relationships, but friendships that would span multiple generations. 

His peaceful nature and love for the local community led to involvement in many endeavors over the years. He was an active and faithful member of First Baptist Church, in Southwest City, serving as a deacon and sound booth operator, among other roles. Larry was an avid supporter of Crowder College, serving on the Board of Trustees for the past ten years, and participating in scholarship events hosted by the Crowder College Foundation. Every year, he could be found at the premium sales of the McDonald, Benton, Washington, and Delaware County Fairs, supporting local youth and their families. He brought in musical groups and shared his love of southern gospel music each summer at the Southwest City July 3rd Celebration. 

Larry’s greatest joys included spending time with family and friends: on the farm riding the tractor or the four wheeler, going to dinner, calling the Hogs, attending singings, and just sharing good conversation and laughs.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Lois Vancuren, and his son, Cameron Hall Vancuren.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jamie Vancuren, one son Kevin Vancuren and wife Christen of Gentry, Arkansas, one daughter Ashley Morrison and husband Gary of Neosho, Missouri, grandchildren: Luke Vancuren and wife Jenna, Ross Wilmoth, Gabe Vancuren, and Abri Vancuren, and one great granddaughter Oakley Vancuren. In addition to many other family members, Larry’s siblings also survive: Helen Fish and husband Mike, Jenny Stinchcomb, Bill Vancuren, Arlin Vancuren and wife Kathy, and Randy Vancuren and wife Kellie.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Southwest City, Missouri, with Bro. Rob Grimm officiating. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Springdale, Arkansas. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Luke Vancuren, Gabe Vancuren, Ross Wilmoth, IV, Kip Lindquist, Conner Wolff and Devon Goddard. The family will receive friends from 4-7:00 p.m. on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made to the First Baptist Church of Southwest City or to the Crowder College Foundation c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.