Larry Donald Atwell

Larry Donald Atwell, age 78, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Heart of Hospice in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born April 3, 1946 in Bristow, Oklahoma, he was a beloved son of Charles T. Atwell and Georgia (Thornton) Atwell. After graduating high school, Larry proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force in the 60's. He married the love of his life, Joy Christine (Gramm) Atwell, and they spent 54 wonderful years together in marriage. Beyond his time in the military, Larry was known as a "Jack of all trades" as a skilled industrial maintenance worker. In his free time, Larry enjoyed the solace of the outdoors, and he could often be found fishing or camping. He was also a talented bowler, having been inducted into the Fort Smith United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame. Larry loved his family beyond measure, and he never met a stranger. He will be remembered as a loving father, husband, son, brother, and grandfather, even acting as "grandfather" to all children he encountered. Larry was well loved, and will be dearly missed by a host of family and friends.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Joy Christine Atwell, of the home; his children, Donny and spouse Misty Atwell of Pocola, OK; Amy Atwell Bentley of Pocola, OK; and Vickie and spouse Rob Peno of Vancleave, MS; many cherished grandchildren, Kandace and spouse Joe Berryhill of Prue, OK; Kimberly Bentley of Fort Smith, AR; John and spouse Jonna Bentley of Pocola, OK; Timothy Atwell of Van Buren, AR; Hayley Atwell and Casey Smith of Pocola, OK; Trenton Atwell of Pocola, OK; Kelsey Smith of Pocola, OK; Kaleigh Smith of Pocola, OK; Nathan Peno of MS; and  Zachary Atwell of MS; beloved great-grandchildren, Samuel Smith of Pocola ; Payson Essman of Prue, OK ; Samantha Essman of Prue; JJ Berryhill and Ryilee Berryhill ; Corbin Tom of Fort Smith, AR ; Christian Gentry of Fort Smith, AR ; John Bryson Bentley; Jace Bentley; and Cynthia Jeffries of Fort Smith, Arkansas; numerous bonus grandkids; 6 brothers and  3 sisters, Danny Ray Atwell of Bixby, OK; Allen Atwell; Chuck Atwell; James Jim Atwell; and Zona Jane Atwell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles T. Atwell and Georgia (Thornton) Atwell; Elsie Faye Atwell Turnbull; Billy Wayne Atwell; Lonora Atwell Turner; and Ronald Dewayne Atwell.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Lewis Funeral Chapel, located at 4817 Kelley Hwy in Fort Smith, AR 72904. A Committal Ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, located at 522 Garland Ave in Fort Smith, AR 72901. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joey Robinson, Dustin Bentley, William Zindler, Lonnie Whitehead, and Bobby Gilbreath. Services are entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Larry Donald Atwell, please visit our floral store.