Psalm 116:15 – “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”
Larry H. Weaver, of Evening Shade, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on July 18, 1948, in Batesville, Arkansas, Larry lived a life marked by dedication, service, and unwavering faith.
Larry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 9, 1965, at just seventeen years old. He trained rigorously for over a year before becoming eligible for combat duty. Larry served two tours of duty in Vietnam, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and leadership. His first tour began in February 1967, where he served as an infantry fire team leader and later as an infantry squad leader with F Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. Larry saw action in significant battles at Khe Sanh, Hill 881, and Hill 861. Despite being wounded three times, he returned to the battlefield, earning three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and a Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V”.
An article from March 2, 1968, highlighted Larry’s gallantry and bravery during his service. It detailed his heroic actions on May 3, 1967, when his squad was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire. Despite being seriously wounded, Larry moved forward, throwing grenades into enemy positions and preserving the lives of his comrades. His actions on this day earned him the Silver Star Medal. The article also mentioned his continued bravery, including leaping into an enemy bunker to kill the remaining defenders and later helping a wounded Marine under heavy enemy fire, despite his own injuries. His unwavering courage and dedication were widely recognized and honored.
In May 1970, Larry returned to Vietnam for a second tour, this time serving as a sergeant with a Combined Action Platoon with H Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. His squad worked closely with South Vietnamese soldiers and civilians, teaching defense techniques and serving as humanitarians.
After his distinguished military service, Larry pursued his passion for ministry, graduating from Liberty Home Bible Institute with a degree in General Bible Studies. For over 27 years, he served as a volunteer jail minister, offering spiritual guidance and support to inmates from 1996 until 2023.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Lorene Weaver; his first wife, Bobbye Weaver; and his brothers, Price and Jerry Rush.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Weaver; his children, Bobby Rush, Virginia Rush Smith, Gavin Franke, Nathan Marlin, and Natalie Marlin; and his cherished grandchildren, Brandon Manley, Danielle Manley, Matthew Smith, Alli Polston, Abri Franke, Oliver Marlin, Laura Lamme, Charlie Lamme, and Wendy Hardy. Larry’s legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Lucero, Trentin, Julianna, Neveah, Jada, and Kaitlyn.
A memorial service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held on June 14, 2024, at 2 PM at the First Baptist Church of Evening Shade.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider a donation to John 3:16 Ministries, which was one of his favorite ministries.
Larry H. Weaver’s life was a testament to courage, faith, and service. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
