Larry Edwin Shelley, 89, died peacefully Monday, September 7, 2026, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas, of natural causes.  Larry moved to northwest Arkansas in 2023, to live with his children after 86 years in Springfield, Missouri, 62 of which were spent in the home he left and loving the wife to whom he was married for 64 years. He was a retired barber of 30 years and had also worked in the retail grocery business at the former Consumers Markets.

Larry possessed a remarkable curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. A devoted student of World War II history, a film buff, and a voracious reader, he found joy in sharing both his knowledge and his time—whether playing cards with family or giving back in the ways that he could. His generosity was reflected in the donation of more than 700 hardback books to the Springfield - Greene County Public Library and a lifetime of giving blood. Because of his rare blood type, his donations could be used to help the most vulnerable newborns in the NICU—a powerful expression of the quiet compassion that defined his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sara Shelley, his first and only love.  They met when she was in high school and got a job at the Dairy Queen his family owned. Suffice to say, from that moment on, they were sweet on each other throughout their lives together. In their early years, he enjoyed traveling with her, and he was very proud of all she accomplished in her career as a schoolteacher.

He is survived by his son, Dan; his daughter, Anne; son-in-law Lane Beauchamp; and daughter-in-law Bridget Gibson, all of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and his granddaughter Eva Mae Ross of San Diego, California.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Edwin Shelley; his uncle and aunt, Howard and Eileen Salts, all of Springfield.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Circle of Life Hospice, circleoflifecare.org.  Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home (479) 751-2444.