FORT SMITH — Larry T. Jones,

70, of Fort Smith, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023. He was born on May 8, 1952 in Hayward, Calif., to the late George W. and Evalyn (White) Jones.

Larry served 40 years in public education, including multiple years as an Adjunct Professor at University of Arkansas Fort Smith, and 32 years teaching U.S. History and Government at Northside High School. Awarded 2006 Teacher of the Year by the Arkansas Association of College History Teachers, Coach of the Northside High School Quiz Bowl team for over 20 years, bringing home a record-breaking number of State Championships and two National Titles. He was one of the most successful coaches in Arkansas High School Quiz Bowl history.

Larry was an advocate of compassion and empathy who understood the roles of justice and fairness in society, going out of his way to ensure every person mattered and was treated with dignity and respect. He always believed in the power of non-violence and researched changes in public support for the Vietnam War for his Master’s thesis.

Larry was a dedicated member of Soka Gakkai International, a Buddhist organization dedicated to peace, education, and cultural exchange.

Memorial Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Family will greet friends the evening prior on Friday, February 10, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith.

Larry is survived by his wife Aida Jones, of the home and his son, Neil C. Jones and his wife Kris Laubacher of Portland, Ore. In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Jones.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, N.Y. 10305, or go to http://www.apdaparkinson.org.

To view the online guestbook, please go to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.