Larry Richard Arthur: A Beloved Shongaloo Athlete and Community Pillar Passes Away

Shongaloo, LA Resident and Former Negreet High School Basketball Standout, Larry Richard Arthur,73, Dies After Courageous Battle With Cancer

December 24, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 24, 2026

The Shongaloo, Louisiana, community mourns the loss of a cherished local hero, Larry Richard Arthur.

At 73, Larry departed on December 21, 2026, after bravely confronting cancer for over a decade.

Born September 9, 1952, in Zwolle, LA, to parents Irene and Boston Arthur, Larry became a pillar of the local sports scene through his dedication and passion.

As a standout on the Negreet High School varsity boys basketball team, he helped secure multiple championships for the program.

Though his athletic career ended without professional contracts, Larry remained deeply committed to public service.

He dedicated years to maintaining facilities at Frasier Hospital and later served as a valued employee of the Louisiana Highway Department.

Outside work, Larry found joy in nature—spending weekends fishing at Toledo Bend or exploring nearby ponds near his childhood home.

His enthusiasm extended to sports fandom; he eagerly followed wrestling matches, baseball games, and other live sporting events on television.

Spiritually grounded, Larry was an active member of Beulah Baptist Church since its early days.

His passing creates an irreplaceable gap in countless hearts. Friends and family gather to celebrate his life while offering support to his surviving relatives.

Survivors include siblings James Arthur (Shreveport, LA); Karen Lajune (Gainesville, GA); Rhonda Arthur (Coushatta, LA); Richard Arthur (Lansing, MI); and sister-in-law Fay Arthur (Milam, TX), plus numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Preceded by parents Irene and Boston Arthur, brothers Gary and Douglas Arthur, brother-in-law Danny Smallwood, and grandparents Claude Carter, Joy Carter, Jefferson Arthur, and Lula Arthur.

Family plans include a funeral service at Beulah Baptist Church on December 26, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Burial will occur at Beulah Cemetery under the care of Warren Meadows Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society or any personal charity of choice.

Gratitude extends to Evergreen Life Services, Minden Medical Center Oncology Department, and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care during Larry's final journey.