Lawrence King Yarbrough

Lawrence King "Larry" Yarbrough went home to be with the Lord while in the care of Circle of Life Hospice on Dec. 2, 2016 in Bentonville, Ark., at the age of 72. Larry is survived by his wife Sue Marie Yarbrough of the home and three daughters Jennifer Wilson and husband Jason of Rogers, Ark., Jessica Minton and husband Jason of Bentonville, Ark., and Jane Chauvin and husband Christopher of Grand Bay, Ala.; one brother, Stephen Yarbrough and wife Carol Ann of Toledo, Ohio; two sisters Katherine Yarbrough of Fontana, Calif., and Teresa Grace "TG" Aust and husband Hale of New York City, N.Y. Larry has six grandchildren Tippin, Andrew, Brook, Corra, Savannah and Jude. He also has 10 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Larrie and Mary Yarbrough, sister Mary Ann Yarbrough and brother John David Yarbrough. Larry was born on April 29, 1944 in Birmingham, Ala., to Larrie and Mary Yarbrough. He graduated from John Carrol Catholic High School in Birmingham, Ala., and completed his BA in Marketing and Economics in1966. He earned his Masters degree in International Business the following year from the University of Alabama. He married his soul mate and love of his life Sue Marie Sargent in 1966. Larry worked in corporate America for many companies including ITT, Allied Chemical Corporation, Western Oil Company of North America, Star Freight and PepsiCo. He left corporate life in his forties to follow his passion for learning, teaching, research and writing. He earned his Ph.D. and became an Associate Professor at The University of Arkansas teaching marketing, sales, transportation, logistics and economics. He was instrumental to the opening of the Supply Chain Management Research Center at the Walton College of Business at The University of Arkansas. Larry was a kind, loving and protective husband, father and friend, always demonstrating the importance of strong faith, honest self-reflection and a positive attitude. Larry was a skilled and passionate fisherman and gardener. Other than time with family, perhaps his happiest moments were spent in nature. He loved being on, in or near water and digging in the earth. He loved to read and was a life long pursuer of knowledge of all kinds. He was as happy to dissect a scholarly article on the economy of the world as he was to reflect on a beloved poem or song. He loved Emily Dickenson, William Shakespeare, Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel and any kind of classical music. He was an active and dedicated member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church serving for a time as president of the Parish Council. For as long as his health allowed he volunteered at the food pantry through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and served as a special Minister of the Eucharist. Like his father before him, Larry was a farmer in his own way. He never stopped growing and developing himself. He cultivated growth in people, plants, ideas and faith throughout his life. He loved helping others learn. He generously and gratefully shared his knowledge and walked a path of continuous discovery through teaching, mentoring, ritual, tradition and example. Larry taught us all how to embrace joy and suffering with strength, grace, dignity, respect for life and faith in the Lord's kindness and mercy. All are welcome to celebrate Larry's life. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers with Monsignor David LeSieur officiating. Interment will follow at the St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery. A luncheon and reception will follow at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 in the Chapel of Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers, Ark. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Larry Yarbrough to Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas at PO Box 8523, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703 or via the organization's website at www.dscnwa.com. The family would like to thank Mercy Hospital and staff for their care, the St. Vincent de Paul community for their prayers, and the many dedicated friends of Larry and Sue for their love and support. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.