Larry Knox Joerden

Larry Knox Joerden, 76, a longtime resident of Pine Bluff, Ark., passed away Saturday, March 23, 2013 after a courageous battle against leukemia. He was born on March 3, 1937 in Pine Bluff, Ark. Larry attended Trinity Episcopal School as a child and young man. After graduating from Pine Bluff High School, he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he obtained a business degree and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Returning to Pine Bluff, Ark. following college, Larry wedded Eleanor Brown, of Georgetown, S.C. and began his career as purchasing manager for International Paper Company. After a transfer to Georgetown, S.C. for a number of years he returned to Pine Bluff in 1980. Larry enjoyed his career for 32 years where he was voted and awarded "Boss of the Year" by employees. He retired at 65 with the State of Arkansas Department of Corrections as budget manager. Mr. Joerden enjoyed attending gun shows and learning the history of the World War II. He also enjoyed learning about birds and observing them in their natural habitat with his dear wife, Eleanor, of 49 years. Larry had an incredibly tender heart and was uniquely thoughtful. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, the Audubon Society and the National Rifle Association. Mr. Joerden was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Brown Joerden, and by his parents Floy Knox Joerden and Russell Howard Joerden of Pine Bluff, Ark. He is survived by a son, John Knox Joerden of Hot Springs, Ark.; a daughter, Rebecca Joerden Farmer, her husband, Rodney Mitchum Farmer and their daughter, Emma Arden Farmer, all of Prague, Czech Republic; his brother-in-law, Thomas Collins Brown and nephew, Colin Anthony Brown, both of Texarkana, Texas. The family wishes to acknowledge Dr. Issam Makhoul and the staff of the Hematology Oncology floor at UAMS. Their professionalism, care and tenderness will always be remembered and deeply appreciated. A special thanks goes to LaToya Lewis for her special care. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Pine Bluff with Reverend Lance Clemmons officiating. The burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Robinson's. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 717 West 32nd Street, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603 or to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Mail slot 623, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Larry will always be remembered by his wit, sense of humor, determination, tender heart and his deep love and devotion for his family and friends. Online Register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.