Thomas S. Larkin Jr.

Thomas S. Larkin Jr., 75, of Rogers, Ark., passed away Sept. 9, 2013, at Regency Hospital in Springdale. Surrounded by his loving family holding his hand, he went peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Eternal Father. Tom was born Oct. 31, 1937, in Leavenworth, Kan., the son of Thomas S. and Dorothy Potter Larkin. He was a contracts management officer for the United States Government and retired from General Services Administration in 1992. In 1991, he and his wife established a nationwide orchid business "Whippoorwill Orchids," which they operated until 2007. Tom grew and hybridized orchids for 63 years. He was heavily involved in the orchid world and was an honored lifetime member of both the Orchid Society of the Ozarks and the Orchid Society of Greater Kansas City. He served as a committee member for both the Mid-America Orchid Congress and the American Orchid Society. Tom was a senior A.O.S. judge. Some past offices held include director of the Orchid Digest Corporation, director of the International Phalaenopsis Alliance, member of board of directors of the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, vice president of the Slipper Orchid Alliance, and vice-chair and training director of the Mid-America Judging Center. He also belonged to the Southwest Regional Orchid Growers Association. Tom was instrumental in founding the Orchid Society of the Ozarks and was heavily involved as a supporter and a "worker-bee" with this local group. Tom deeply affected the lives of many people he came in contact with as he took them under his wing and tutored them to become experts in the orchid world. He was a living legacy. Known for his attention to detail, he was self taught in many areas, such as building greenhouses and dollhouses, electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry and landscaping. He was known to all and will be remembered for his great character, charm and wit. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara A. Shawger Larkin; children, Thomas S. Larkin III of Shawnee, Kan., Terrance J. Larkin and wife, Robin, of Shawnee, Kan., Debra L. Larkin of Kirkwood, Mo., Vanda T. Larkin Owen and John Stroberg of Olathe, Kan., and Jay K. Larkin and wife, Faith, of Springdale, Ark.; two sisters, Theresa Reid of Bonner Springs, Kan., and Tana Burns of Canton, Mich.; and his brother, Terrance A. Larkin of Independence, Kan.; four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and 19 nieces and nephews. Funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with Monsignor David LeSieur officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 to 10 a.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Orchid Society. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th St., Rogers. Online condolence to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.