FAYETTEVILLE — Charles Larry Tompkins,

91, passed away peacefully at his home of 50 years with family by his side on April 8, 2021. Born on Feb. 17, 1930, in Galesburg, Ill., Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mildred Tompkins, sister Virginia Macouga and wife Mary Noel Tompkins.

Graduating high school, he lettered in football, track and wrestling and worked briefly before joining the Navy and serving during the Korean War aboard the USS Tortuga. He also served in the Marine Corps Reserve.

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 Ph.D in urban planning from Michigan State University. Larry was a first generation college graduate.

After working 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 he sold at the Ozark Mountain Craft Fair, light aircraft pilot who built and flew two 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 89, he started learning the Cherokee language.

Larry was a long time member of the 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 sons Geoff Tompkins and wife Adinda and Ross Tompkins and wife Traci: grandchildren Jay and Amy; and stepsons John Jay Bonds, Mike Bonds and wife Cindy, and Ken Bonds.

In lieu of a formal service due to covid-19, a visitation will be held at Moore’s Chapel on Friday, April 16, from 11 am to 1noon. Larry’s generous sharing of knowledge will be missed. To sign the online guest book visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com .