Kelly Sweeten
Larry was a good friend of old who I tried to locate today - only to find that he passed away three months ago.
I met Larry on May 8, 1991 when, as a DJ at KISR Radio, he came in to do a discovery flight promo for TAC Air in Ft. Smith (the company I flew for at the time).
I took Larry, Alice and Laura up for a flight, he and I talked about it on the radio the next day, and Larry and I became fast friends.
Over the years he was able to go on several flights with me when I flew for a nursing home company out of Fort Smith.
On one flight we were returning from Springfield, MO, where, once I let my boss off the plane, Larry and I headed to Bass Pro Shops. While there, I purchased a crossbow.
During the flight back to FSM Larry sat in the back of the plane, eating snacks, drinking sodas, and basically "harassing" the pilot (me).
I began to harass back, and at one point, when I delivered a zinger to him, Larry replied, "I am going to put this crossbow together and shoot you with it!" My boss rolled with laughter - and in the four years I worked for him - never let me forget that comment!
Larry and I, on one occasion, traveled to Mt. Home, AR and went trout fishing. That day we had a great time - and caught one lousy fish! The next day on his morning show, Larry calculated all we had spent, and what that one fish cost per pound - inviting callers to talk about their fish stories.
Once, during an extended period of unemployment, Larry traveled with me by car from Tulsa to Houston, where I had a job interview. This time offered Larry and I the chance to really talk as never before; and I saw the serious side of Larry few were honored to see.
I only wish I had gotten back in touch with Larry sooner - I thought about him a million times in the last decade since taking a job out of state.
Larry's name came up last night when my wife and I were talking, so I decided to look him up and get in contact with him. I am so heartbroken to learn of his death. Larry really was a good friend and a good person.
Goodbye friend - YOU TRULY ARE MISSED.
Kelly Sweeten
PS
Laura McDonald - If you read this please contact me. I would like to talk to you about your Father.
405-303-0020

