of Flower Mound, TX

March 4, 1937 - May 2, 2023

Larry Edwin Gladden went to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, May 2, 2023, at the age of 86. He was born on March 4, 1937, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to the late Ernest Herbert and Celia Millsapps Gladden. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jessie ''Sis'' West, and his four brothers, Charles Gladden, Tom Gladden, R.H. ''Bob'' Gladden, and James Gladden.

Larry is survived by his wife of almost 32 years, Clarisa Gladden of Flower Mound, Texas; two sons, Kerry (Christina) Gladden of Cross Roads, Texas, and Kevin (Cara) Gladden of North Richland Hills, Texas; and four grandchildren, Logan, Cole, Kylie, and Evan Gladden. He is also survived by many other extended family members and friends.

Larry grew up in Caddo Gap, Arkansas, and was a graduate of Arkadelphia High School where he played varsity basketball, and his friends called him ''Grease''. He earned a bachelor's degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, in 1959 and a master's degree from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, in 1964. Larry began his professional life with high school teaching roles and transitioned into a career that spanned over 45 years in Texas City, Texas, as a vocational counselor for the State of Texas. He later moved to Flower Mound, Texas, to be close to his kids and grandkids, and he attended Flower Mound First Baptist Church.

Larry's life can be defined by his love for God, his family, and his devotion to his career. As his boys were growing up, Larry served in his church, First Baptist Church of La Marque, regularly working in youth ministries and coaching basketball. His work in the vocational field helped many people in his community find educational and work opportunities.

Larry's kindness impacted many people through the years - especially his sons. He loved to attend his boys' events and often coached their sports teams. He took his sons on many ''driving'' marathon vacations and visited great locations across the country, including Mount Rushmore, Hawaii, and Caddo Gap, Arkansas. Larry would often refuse to stop at hotels when he could just drive all night long, rolling the window down and hanging his head out to keep himself awake. Larry also took his kids to countless sporting events, mainly in the Houston Astrodome, and to concerts featuring the biggest acts of the 70s and 80s.

Larry always had his home open to all the neighborhood kids as his boys were growing up, and he loved his sons' friends. He'd often pile his car full of boys and drive them to Astroworld, the bowling alley, or a ball game. He liked frequenting Bonanza for dinner and taking the kids to Farrell's for ice cream.

Larry gave his boys, and pretty much their entire neighborhood, a great childhood which they wouldn't trade for all the iPhones and PlayStations in the world.

Larry loved watching sports. He followed the Arkansas Razorbacks passionately and made several cross-country treks to brave the elements and watch them play in bowl games. He instilled his love of Arkansas sports in his sons so deeply that to this day their preferred attire remains Hogs sweatshirts. He loved baseball and often took his boys to Astros games, where they saw the likes of Willie Mays and Hank Aaron play for a quarter. He took his sons to their first Dallas Cowboys game at Texas Stadium in 1972 to see Roger Staubach, launching a lifetime of fun and memories as fans of America's Team. His sons were honored to be able to take Larry to see a World Series game in Arlington in 2010, a small payback for all the events he had taken them to over the years.

Larry loved music and was a fan of Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond, attending several of their concerts over the years.

Larry always backed his kids in their endeavors and would order specialty items for them at Christmas from the Sears or JC Penney catalogues. He bought them coveted Logan Earth Ski skateboards in the late 70s and built a skateboard ramp at the end of the driveway for the neighborhood boys to brave. Teeth were lost, but immeasurable fun was had, and treasured memories instilled.

Larry worked hard his entire life. He was a frugal man who would sometimes go to extremes to save a buck or two. One memorable action he often took was to completely shut off the AC when leaving the family home on the coast of Galveston in July and August. This led to misery for most of the other occupants of the house, as temperatures often climbed high enough to melt candlesticks (true story). But the AC bills were always lower, and Larry liked that.

Later in life, Larry enjoyed time spent with his grandkids and looked forward to attending their activities. He traveled and visited locations throughout the U.S. and Europe and especially loved a visit to Berlin, Germany, and reminiscing over stories he heard from his brothers who served in World War II.

Larry loved his wife Clarisa, whom he married on July 27, 1991, as well as his sons and their families. He loved his grandkids and was very proud of them all. They called him Grandad. He loved spending time with his family during the Christmas holidays. He gave his sons, and later their wives and kids as well, proof sets of minted coins every year for over 40 years. He also gave them annual White House ornaments.

Larry was a living example of hard work, persistence, and patience, who also knew how to talk his way out of speeding tickets (or at least how to try). He worked two jobs around the clock for many years to better provide for his family. Larry planned a lot for himself, his family, and his children. And when they changed those plans, he always understood, and his support never faltered. He was success-oriented and believed in himself and his family.

Larry never missed an opportunity to brag about his family, and he probably created a few opportunities to do so along the way. Whether it was his wife's, sons', grandkids', or nieces' and nephews' successes, Larry made sure that everyone he encountered knew all about it. Larry was extremely proud to be a ''Gladden''. Family meant the world to him.

Larry was a fighter, maintaining a tremendous will to live up to the very end. His steadfast desire to ''get better'' and ''keep trying'' even shocked the hospital staff who attended to him during his last days. He remained sharp as a tack, and he never lost his wit. Moments before he passed away, Larry scoffed and rolled his eyes at his son Kevin when he joked that he didn't mind him for the first 54 years so why should he start now.

To borrow a phrase from a speaker at his brother Bob's memorial service, Larry was ''there''. He was there for his family, his friends, and his community. He had a true calling to help others, which impacted many lives along the way.

Larry will be forever remembered as a kind and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family immensely and will be sorely missed. Heaven has gained a valiant man who is a strong, brave, and true soldier for the Lord.

We love you so very much, Grandad. May you rest in eternal peace, and we look forward to seeing you again.

A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas, at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

Sign Guestbook

4 Condolence(s)