Larry Joe Arnold, 84, passed away April 20, 2025, surrounded by family at Azria Health Woodhaven, Great Bend, Kan. He was born on Dec. 5, 1940, in Larned, Kan. to John Jr. and Edna (Firestone) Arnold. On Sept. 9, 1962, he married Earlene Meckfessel in Larned.

A resident of Great Bend since 1964 coming from the Larned area, Larry was a hard worker his whole life, starting with farm work, including his part time wheat farming, a high school job at Blattner Manufacturing, then as a diesel mechanic for Detroit Diesel. He grew up in Sanford, Kan., known as one of the “Arnold Boys” and had an onery streak he kept throughout his life. He transferred from there to Larned High School, where he was a graduate. 

Larry was a member of the First Christian Church, VFW Post 3111 honorarily, Newmar Camping Group, coffee group at Great Bend Coffee, and was active at the Great Bend Senior Center. He was avid about his yard work, making sure his lawn was cared for along with his flower beds. Larry enjoyed loud cars and vehicles, traveling, both in his motorhome, where he and Earlene would spend winters in Harlingen, Texas, or on bus trips like to Mexico or to the light houses up north. He loved to go square dancing with his favorite partner, Earlene, where they were members with Cheyenne Twisters for many years. Above all, Larry adored spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years; son, Scott Arnold and husband Terry Huffman of Kansas City, Mo.; daughter, Jolene Kirmer and husband Phil of Great Bend; three grandchildren, Kylene Baxa and husband Ken of Salina, Kevin Kirmer and wife Dava of Great Bend, and Kelli Kirmer and fiancé Anthony Miller of Wichita; seven great grandchildren, Kenzie Baxa, Aubrie Baxa, Ben Baxa, Amelia VanSteenburgh, Masen VanSteenburgh, Atlee Kirmer, and Elizabeth Miller; two brothers, Jimmy Arnold of El Paso, Texas, and John Arnold III of Larned; two sisters, Marie Walker of El Paso, Texas, and Ruth Bronson and husband Wendel of Del Rio, Texas; sister-in-law, Sharon Arnold of Larned; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; twin sister, Barbara Manka; and brother, Ronald Arnold.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2025, with family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Reverend Joshua Leu presiding. Interment will follow at Larned Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to the Great Bend Senior Center or First Christian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 24, 2025