Lawrence Hugo Spanke Jr. "Larry", age 82, was called to Heaven on March 24, 2026 with his family surrounding him. He was born on February 15, 1944 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He and his siblings were raised in Clarksville, Arkansas where he attended school and later the College of the Ozarks. He played numerous sports in school, and later in life enjoyed being an armchair coach.

Larry met Sherrill, his life-long wife of 54 years, this June. They enjoyed building a life rooted in faith, love, family and friendship.

Preceding him in death were his parents and oldest son, Lawrence H. "Trace" Spanke III. His survivors include his wife Sherrill and loving son Christopher Spanke, his precious granddaughters Alexandra and Olivia Spanke and our bonus daughter-in-love Amber Spanke. His siblings Linda Spanke Brand, Lance Spanke , and Lionel "Lucky" Spanke and their respective spouses, Rick Brand, Jan Spanke and Nella Spanke.

One thing you can say about Larry is he never met a stranger and had a joke to tell anyone who would listen. He was an eternal optimist even in the face of adversity. His favorite thing to say was "Do you think we'll live through it?" Or "Don't sweat the small stuff and it's all small stuff".

Larry's happiest moments were spent with his sons and granddaughters, who had him wrapped around their fingers. They brought him immense joy and happiness, and he was a proud pawpaw.

Though we are heart broken, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life, and we will meet again one day.

Sweet dreams, my loving husband. We love you more than life.