Larry N. Arnold, 78, of Hobbs, (called Lar-dy by his great-grandchildren) died July 25, 2012, at his home in Hobbs. He was born July 13, 1934, in Sonora, TX, to Luther and Lillie Arnold. He married Janet Callis on July 27, 1954. Wanda Karen Thomason was his long-time companion for the last 39 years.

Larry graduated from Christoval High School, as valedictorian, at the age of 16. At that time he started working in the oilfield. He worked for WEK Drilling for 30 plus years. Larry was a business man, owning oil & gas properties, Rogers Bit Co., various rental properties, The Bottle Shop and was the owner and breeder of horses. He enjoyed coin collecting, horse racing and cooking – he was a master chef. Larry loved watching Emeril Lagasse and ordered every cooking gadget he saw on TV and he was a Cowboy fan. He bought his first car with 50 cent pieces. He was a member of the Moose Lodge. Larry was very generous and had the biggest heart you have ever seen, was kind and loving and never asked for anything. He was always more than willing to help anyone. He was friendly and personable; if he didn't like you, you would never know.

He is survived by his companion, Wanda Karen Thomason; spouse, Janet Arnold; children, Lonnie Arnold, and wife Cindy, Debbie Riley, and husband Jim, Linda Barrett, and husband Danny, Ronnie Arnold, and wife Sandy, Kathy Plattor, and husband J. J., Gary Lindsay, and wife Linda, Vicki Strasner, Carol Skardo, and husband Danny and David Lindsay, and wife Joyce; 19 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren; niece Dixie, and husband Larry Young, of Durango, CO; nephews, David Stone, and wife Bonnie, of Miles, TX, and Delmer Stone, and wife Jeri, of Christoval, TX; along with many friends, family, co-workers and business partners who have touched his life over the years.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a sister, Faylene Slone.

Published online July 27, 2012 By Chapel of Hope Funeral Home