Laurence Arehart

Tribute

Laurence Alvin Arehart, Jr., passed away on October 6, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 91. Born and raised in Staunton, Virginia, Larry was the son of Laurence Alvin Arehart and Anna May Dougherty. He pursued his passion for agriculture and animal science, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and a Master’s degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University. He also proudly served in the United States Army. Larry dedicated much of his professional life to education and agriculture, serving as a college professor and Director of the Sheep Program at Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas. Through his work, he shared his knowledge and passion for animal science with students and helped inspire an appreciation for the field he loved. Throughout his life, Larry called several places home, including Staunton, Virginia; Carbondale, Illinois; Manhattan, Kansas; Colby, Kansas; Gold Canyon, Arizona; and Phoenix, Arizona. Wherever life took him, he brought his unmistakable personality and a genuine interest in the people he met. Larry truly never met a stranger. He had a big personality, loved to talk, and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. His warmth and outgoing nature made it easy for him to connect with people, and he had a way of making even a brief encounter memorable. When he wasn't visiting with friends or family, Larry enjoyed tending to his plants and garden and playing bridge. These hobbies brought him enjoyment throughout the years, but his greatest pride and joy were always his family. Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patsy Ann Arehart, on March 18, 2020. Their life together was an important part of his story, and he carried the memories of their years together with him. He is survived by his son, Scott Arehart, and daughter-in-law, Cindy Arehart; his grandchildren, Taylor Arehart, and her fiancé, Alex Acosta, and Ethan Arehart, and his fiancée, Avianna Houghtaling; and his sibling, Libby Smith, and brother-in-law, Dale Smith. His son and grandchildren were a constant source of pride and joy. Larry treasured his family and the relationships they shared, leaving behind memories that will continue to be cherished for generations. Larry was a member of Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, and his Christian faith was an important part of his life. His faith, along with his love for family and the connections he made with others, helped shape the life he lived. Larry will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his love of conversation, his dedication to education, his faith, and, above all, the deep pride and love he held for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of knowledge shared, friendships made, and family bonds that will endure. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

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