Charles Larry Tompkins' Obituary
Charles Larry Tompkins, 91 passed away peacefully at his home of 50 years with family by his side on April 8, 2021.
Born on February 17, 1930 in Galesburg IL, Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mildred Tompkins, his Sister Virginia Macouga and his wife Mary Noel Tompkins.
Graduating High School he lettered in football, track and wrestling and worked briefly in a local factory before joining the US Navy and serving during the Korean War aboard the USS Tortuga. He also served in the Marine Corp reserves.
After the service, he enrolled in the University of Illinois on the GI Bill. A member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity he was active on campus as an Illini Varsity Cheerleader and as Chief Illinewk. After graduating with a BS in City Planning, he went on to earn his MA and PhD in Urban Planning from Michigan State University. Larry was a 1st generation college graduate.
Following professional roles in St. Louis as a staff planner tasked with opening The Gateway Arch Memorial and as Assistant Director of the Tulsa Municipal Planning Commission, he joined the faculty at the University of Arkansas in 1970 where he taught and did research for 31 years. An avid Razorback fan, Larry and Mary Noel were regulars at football and basketball games. In retirement Larry traveled to many countries with his beloved wife.
A lifelong learner with a servant’s heart, Larry had many hobbies. He became a Master Gardener, bee keeper, woodworker specializing in candle holders made from fallen timber that he sold for years at the Ozark Mountain Craft Fair, light aircraft pilot who built and flew 2 EAA class aircraft, one of which is at the Arkansas Air Museum at Drake Field. Larry was also a certified FIFA soccer referee and assessor who refereed and taught clinics at the collegiate level. Larry also tried his hand at the bell choir at the United Presbyterian Church. At age 89, he started learning the Cherokee language.
Larry was a long time member of the City of Fayetteville Board of Adjustment and the NWA Regional Planning Commission. He was also active in the Washington County Historical Society, he could be found volunteering at the Headquarters or Ridge House.
Larry is survived by his sons Geoff Tompkins and wife Adinda, Ross Tompkins and wife Traci, 2 grandchildren, Jay and Amy, 3 step sons John Jay Bonds, Mike Bonds and wife Cindy, and Ken Bonds.
In lieu of a formal service due to COVID, a visitation will be held at Moore’s Chapel on Friday, April 16th, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Larry’s generous sharing of knowledge will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation in Larry's memory.
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