of Conway, AR
September 14, 1954 - October 25, 2025
John Michael ''Mike'' Lar, 71, of Conway, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025. He was born on September 14, 1954 in Billings, Montana.
Mike grew up in Montana, where he spent his youth working on cattle ranches and attending one-room schoolhouses, often joking that the walk was uphill both ways. In 1973, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing his training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, he was stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. It was there that he met the love of his life, Wanda, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years of marriage.
Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in April 1979, Mike returned to Montana with Wanda, where they both attended Montana State University. Mike graduated with highest honors and began what became his lifelong calling in education.
His first teaching position took them to Dull Knife Memorial College in Lame Deer, Montana in 1983. The following year, they moved to Conway, Arkansas where Mike became Director of Channel 6, a partnership between the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and Conway Corporation. While serving as Director and teaching in UCA's Mass Communications Department, Mike earned both his MBA and doctorate degrees. Under his leadership, Channel 6 grew into a full production studio.
In 1999, Mike joined the Arkansas Department of Education and established the ADE Distance Learning Center, the state's first virtual school. His vision and leadership helped shape online education in Arkansas. In 2013, he became Director of Operations for Virtual Arkansas, continuing his commitment to providing innovative learning opportunities for students across the state.
Mike was a man of faith and a member of Harmony Baptist Church. He loved college sports, fishing and tending his yard. A devoted Denver Broncos fan and a proud supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Mike never missed a good game. Above all, he cherished time with his family. Known for his sharp wit and unmistakably unique sense of humor, he delighted in pulling pranks on those he loved most.
Mike's presence brought laughter, wisdom and warmth to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph R. and Marjorie R. Lar; his sister, Laurie J. Lar and his grandparents, Joseph and Emma Bosen.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda; his sons, Scott (Holly) Lar and Brandon (Brittany) Lar and his cherished grandchildren, Landon (11), Shelby (9), Ethan (7), Logan (4), Harrison (3) and Lincoln (1). He also leaves behind his siblings, Matt Lar, Shawn (Pam) Lar and Connie (Rocky) Lar all of Montana.
A visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. at Roller Funeral Home in Conway on Wednesday, October 29th. A funeral service will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway on Thursday, October 30th.
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24 Condolence(s)
Elaine Hill
Friday, October 31, 2025
Mike was one of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever worked with. He helped hire me when Virtual Arkansas first began, and he was such a blessing to work for. He also had a great sense of humor and always called me by my full name, “Donna Elaine Hill,” pretending not to remember which name I liked best. His kindness and leadership will be so deeply missed by all of us at Virtual Arkansas. My prayers are with his family for peace and comfort during this time.
Dennis McGiboney
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Well cowboy the sun is rising over the desert sky this morning, and as I said it will always remind me of you. Hope your journey was wonderful and that heaven is what you always dreamed of , I'll miss you man, and your presence on the world will not be forgotten ❤️
Cindy Green
Thursday, October 30, 2025
He was more than a mentor, boss, and friend; he was a one-man legend who could make anyone laugh. There are so many unforgettable memories: his yearly Mounds cake birthday tradition, his holiday potluck turkey-frying adventures, his unmatched commitment to spotless DLC office floors, and of course, the occasional debut of the iconic “Joe Dirt” wig, a sight none of us will ever forget.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
The man. The myth. The legend....Mike Lar
Benny & Teno Breeding
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
So many good memories of Mike coming to the ballfield for supper and watching a good game. Our condolences go out to Wanda and the boys. May God comfort you as only He can.
Jodean Peeples
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Our heart and prayers go out to each of you. So very sorry for your loss. Keith and Jo Peeples
Patricia Ruesing
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
I am speechless. Wanda I pray for you and your family. Mike was a kind man and wonderful professor to all of his UCA students. I am honored to have had the opportunity to have worked for him at Channel 6. I pray asking God to wrap his comforting arms around you and your family.
Nancy Moix
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Wanda and family, it has been a long time since CPS but I wanted to send my condolences and prayers to you all.
Amy Oury
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
I am so very sorry. I know Mike from Virtual Arkansas and have worked with him for many years. He will be greatly missed.
Jason Wells
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Mike was such a blessing to work with at Virtual Arkansas. He was a great guy and a leader who believed in others. His impact will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Leesa Potts
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
I have many precious memories from our time at the DLC and later Virtual Arkansas. A special memory for me are the holiday potlucks in the DLC warehouse - we shared some good laughs. Taking the time to connect with our colleagues was a priority and it has led to meaningful relationships today. Another memory is Mike vacuuming (a lot!!) while he talked on his headset, and he always kept a close watch on the weather to make sure the commuters could get home before a storm hit Central Arkansas. I will be praying for God's comfort during this time of grief ... Hugs to all y'all.
Rebecca Anderson
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Mike was one of a kind, and he was wonderful to work with. He is sorely missed at Virtual Arkansas. I am so sorry for your loss, and my prayer is for all of you to feel the peace of Christ at this time and hold on to all of the great memories you shared with Mike.
Mary Langston
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Wanda, I am so sorry to learn of your loss of Mike. May God bless you and your boys with comfort and peace during this sad time.
Virginia Tate
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Getting to know Mike was such a treat. He had such a great sense is humor. Blessings to you and your family during this difficult time. I will miss my WWF partner.
Zac Hendricks
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Lar Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. We bless you guys with comfort and peace.
Mike was a wonderful person to work for. I personally enjoyed talking to him about all of his fly fishing conquests. He will be missed, but we'll see him again one day.
May the God of all comfort be near you during this time.
Zac and the entire Hendricks Remodeling Team
Bonnie Holloway
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
WANDA ND ENTIRE FAMILY: I am so sorry for your loss. Mike's wit and personality were "Mike." I enjoyed his teaching at Harmony Missionary Baptist Church. He definiely had the gift of teaching! You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky Belvin
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Teaching for Virtual Arkansas was, without a doubt, the best job I ever had. I loved teaching, but it also takes excellent bosses and administrators who know their business who mentor in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. Mike was one of those administrators!! I was so sad when I found out he had passed away. You, his family, along with his Virtual Arkansas family, are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jordan Alex
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Mr. Lar made me a better person. I imagine he did that for everyone. I am praying for the Lar family.
Audie Burns
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
We are so sorry about Mikes passing. May God comfort you and family during this difficult time. We love you.
Ellora (Lora) Hicks
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Wanda, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will all miss him greatly. Mike was a wonderful person, and I enjoyed working with him. He made valuable contributions to the education field.
Sarah Garrison
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Thoughts to my Friend & his Family,
Dear Mike,
Thank you for finding me, choosing me, and showing me a unique way to be an effective teacher for Arkansas students. In the beginning you and Shirley developed my potential and years later your confidence inspired me to stay faithful to our profession. Your life will continue to be an inspiration to those of us you nurtured, and the young people who may have been influenced by us. I will not forget. May your family abide in your enduring love.
sg
Kelly DiLulo
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Wanda, I'm so sorry about Mike's passing. He will be deeply missed. Praying for you and your family.
Joyce
Monday, October 27, 2025
Rest easy Mike.
I love you and will miss you dearly.
Until we meet again.
Carl and Rhonda Pearce
Monday, October 27, 2025
Brandon, Brittany and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God comfort you as only He can. We love you all.
Love and prayers,
The Pearce Family
Dana Villines
Monday, October 27, 2025
Wanda & family
I’m so sorry to hear this.
Mike was a wonderful person and I know each of you will miss him terribly.
God’s love and peace be with you. O