Larry Dwayne Gernhart

On Saturday January 9, 2021 the world lost a devoted husband, dad, grandfather, and family man. Larry Dwayne Gernhart, better knowns as "Poppy" by those closest to him, was the third of seven children born to Jim "Paps" & Louise "Grams" Gernhart. He made his worldly appearance in Manila, AR on July 1, 1957. He lived a full and adventurous childhood with his two elder (Jim Jr. and Tom), three younger brothers (Jerry, Richard, and David), and only sister, Lorie, in the Michigan countryside. In 1975 he graduated from Martin High School located in Martin, MI.

He met the love of his life, Katharyn Ann Bailey, in 1973. They were married in a small rural church located outside of Manila, AR on August 14, 1977. Through all of life's ups and downs they faced everything together. A truer love story has never been written.

On October 18, 1978 they were blessed with their first of two sons. Eric Dwayne Gernhart was born in Allegan, MI. Then on January 4, 1980 Mark Lewis Gernhart was born in Holland, MI. In 1981 their tight little family relocated to Northeastern Arkansas where they remained until after both sons graduated high school.

In 1991 Larry earned an Associates Degree in Industrial Technology from Mississippi County Community College. He achieved this feat while working full time, and providing for his family. Family remained important to him throughout his life, and he did his best to make sure none of them went without.

Larry was an avid fisherman in his younger years, but once he became disabled he enjoyed playing golf on his iPad while watching TV. His true pride came with the birth of each of his grandchildren. He was blessed with five grandkids, and his love for family grew with the addition of each one. Eric married Heather Horsfall and they provided him with his first two wonderful grandchildren. Austin Gernhart was born on October 11, 2003. Ashley Gernhart was born on November 25, 2004. Both were born in Henderson, NV. Mark and his first wife, Decie Wood, gave him his next grandson on April 18, 2005. Zachary Gernhart was born in Jacksonville, AR. In 2017 Mark remarried to Camille Hutchinson, and Poppy gained his final two grandkids. Isaac Weekly was born May, 12, 2011 and Hannah Weekly was born on November 21, 2013. Both Isaac and Hannah were born in Birmingham, AL. Larry loved his grandkids, and went out of his way to spoil them. After all, that's what Poppy does best.

Larry and Katharyn relocated to North Las Vegas, NV shortly after the birth of Austin. Their love for each other continued to grow throughout their lives together. Larry passed away peacefully in his home on January 9, 2021. The void left by his passing can never be filled, and his legacy will live on in the memories of his family. He is survived by his life long loving wife, both sons, three daughter in-laws, five grandchildren, four brothers, sister, three sister-in-laws, brother-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and several neices and nephews. He will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace and love, and know that we are all better people for having known him. We may not have had it all together, but together we had it all.