Jeff Laur

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Jeffery Steven Laur, age 78, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Monday, March 23, 2026, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma.

Jeff was born on April 22, 1947, to Clifford and Etta Laur.

He graduated from Lawton High School in 1965, where he proudly served as captain of the football team. He went on to attend Oklahoma State University, graduating as Salutatorian with a degree in architecture.

Jeff devoted his life to his passion for architecture, leaving a lasting impact across Arkansas and beyond. He began his career in Bella Vista, Arkansas, before moving to Gunnison, Colorado, where on e of his proudest accomplishments was designing the Crested Butte Ski Resort. He later returned to Bella Vista, where he designed a hospital, before ultimately settling in Harrison, Arkansas. There, he founded and operated Jeff Laur Architect PLLC until his retirement.

Throughout his distinguished career, Jeff designed numerous medical facilities in Mountain Home, restaurants throughout the region, the community center in Berryville, several churches, including the Catholic Church in Harrison, shopping centers, the Jasper, Arkansas school, and more than 900 homes. Upon completing a project, he was known to say with pride, "Got 'er done!".

Jeff had a love for running and was still running three miles a day with his wife, Pati. They shared more than 20 wonderful years together and would have celebrated their 20th anniversary on April 15. Jeff cherished his wife, his son, his family, and the time they spent together. He was happiest when working on a project. He had a special gift for story telling and it brought him great joy sharing stories with those he loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Pati; his son, Lucas Laur of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his stepdaughter Julie (Barry) McGill of Granby, Missouri; his sisters, Lenora Crawford of Harrison, Arkansas, Andrea Penrod of Bentonville Arkansas, and Jennifer Russell of St. Joseph, Missouri; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jeff will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his remarkable talent, and the lasting mark he left on the communities he helped build. More than that, he will be remembered for the stories he told, the love he had for his family, and the life he lived with determination and pride. He leaves behind not only buildings and accomplishments, but a legacy of hard work and perseverance that will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed beyond words, and his absence will be felt every day by those who knew and loved him.

A graveside service will be held in honor of Jeffery on Saturday, 28 Mar 2026 at 2:00 pm at Carl Junction Cemetery, 403 North Co Road 275, Carl Junction, Missouri, 64834. We invite all who knew him to join us in celebrating his life and the indelible mark he left on us all.

We encourage everyone who knew Jeffery to share their memories and upload photos to the memorial page. Each story, each picture, serves as a testament to Jeffery's life and the love he shared with us all. Let us remember him not just as an architect, but as a loving husband, stepfather, and friend.