Larry Arwood

Larry Wayne Arwood of Paola, KS, passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 27, 2019. Larry was born March 15, 1941 in Warrensburg, Missouri. He was the youngest of three children born to Ulys and Lucille Whiteman Arwood. He attended school in Warrensburg and graduated from College High School with the class of 1959. On January 17, 1962, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. While in the Army, he married Sandra Kay Griffey on March 30, 1962. They became the parents of two children. After he was discharged from the Army, they made their home in Warrensburg, Missouri. Larry was employed by Missouri Public Services for six years. He then went to work for Kansas City Power and Light as lineman and moved his family to Ottawa, Kansas. Larry and Sandra ended their marriage in December of 1985 after twenty-three years. On June 12, 1986, he married Nancy Hendrickson in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nancy, her two young daughters and Larry made their home in rural Paola, Kansas. The marriage ended in December of 2002 after sixteen years. Larry built and owned Hillsdale Storage. He ran this business for 10 years. Larry retired from Kansas City Power and Light as a supervisor after twenty-eight years on April 1, 1998. After retirement he had his own small businesses building small storage buildings and setting electrical poles. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) #1464, a member of the Elks Lodge #921 of Osawatomie, Kansas, a member of the Centerview United Methodist and belonged to the Trick Tracker’s Square Dance Club of Raytown, Missouri for over nine years. Larry liked to work outside with his skid loader and his tractor. He was always outside doing something. When he wasn’t outside doing something, you would most likely find him at the Whistle Stop Café in Osawatomie enjoying a bite to eat with friends. He went on a few fishing trips and even hunted wild boar in Texas. Larry also enjoyed watching his step grandson play baseball and basketball. He often traveled hours to the ballgames and rarely missed a game. He was a country boy through and through with boots, jeans and a western shirt, but more than anything, Larry loved his constant companion, ”Jack,” his little black and white Shih Tzu. They were always together for over fourteen years. Larry said he was the best dog ever and always wished that “Jack” could talk. “Jack” died in February 2013. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Helen Louise Spiri in June 2003. He is survived by his son, Randy Allen Arwood (Tracy), of Everton, Arkansas; his daughter, Julie Lyn James (Kenny), of Belton, Missouri; his brother, Russell A. Arwood, of Centerview, Missouri; two ex-wives, whom he remained close friends with; two step-daughters, Cassy Osborne (Will), of Olathe, Kansas and Abby Cavender (Danny), of Manhattan, Kansas; three granddaughters, Amanda Janssen (Scott), Holly Eck (Andrew)and Sarah Arwood; two step-grandsons, Coy and Cash Cavender; two step-granddaughters, Amelia and Piper Osborne; three great granddaughters, Charlotte Janssen, Kaiden Arwood, Madison Bostron; one great grandson, Trevor Eck and many other family and friends. To share your memories of Larry or leave a special condolence message for his family, please click the Share a Memory tab.