FAYETTEVILLE — Larry Ivan Gowen,

85, of Fayetteville, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021, at the V.A. Hospital in Fayetteville. He was born December 1, 1936, in Success, Ark., to Houston and Iva Cox Gowen. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Anne Gowen; two sisters, Sheila Fox and Peggy Bryant; and a brother, Farrell Gowen.

Larry was a 1956 Knobel High School graduate in Knobel, Ark. He was drafted into the U.S. Army January 25, 1959. He received an honorable discharge in May, 1961. He served during the Berlin Crisis and the Vietnam Era (82nd Airborne). Larry was a 1968 graduate of Arkansas State University. He worked as a loan officer for PCA from 1969-70. Larry was an IGA Family Center Manager from 1970-1980. He then became manager/owner for IGA in Corning, Ark., from 1980-1983. Larry married Sue Moss on May 24, 1984. He then went on to work at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville from 19952005. Larry was a member of Rolling Hills Baptist Church. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time on his farm.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Moss Worsham Gowen of the home; a son, Nick Gowen of Fayetteville; a step-son, Mark Worsham of Murphy, Texas; granddaughters, Abbey Gowen, Libby Smith, and Bryn Gowen; two step- grandchildren, Matt and Mary Worsham; and six step-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5-7, Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Beard’s Chapel. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Beard’s Chapel with Pastor Steve Sheely officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Condolences at: www.beardsfuneralchapel.com