Rev. Dr. Arlin Tolsby Larson

Arlin T. Larson, a scholar, devoted husband, father, and cherished grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at the age of 81. Arlin's legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Sharon, with whom he shared 46 wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by his devoted son, Kyle, and his daughter-in-law, Jane. Arlin was a proud and doting grandfather to his granddaughter, Grace, who brought immense light to his life, and he looked forward with great anticipation to the blessing of a second granddaughter, expected to arrive this August. Born on April 16, 1945, Arlin pursued a lifelong dedication to faith, learning, and higher education. A man of deep intellect and spiritual curiosity, he earned his Doctorate in Divinity from the University of Chicago, a testament to his commitment to theological study and reflection. Arlin began his dedicated service as a pastor in 1980 in Monroe Center, Illinois. His ministry later took him to Washington, D.C., where he and Sharon co-founded the Community Preschool of the Palisades in 1984. He then served in El Paso, Texas, and as the chaplain for Piedmont College in Georgia, before concluding his long and impactful career in 2011 in Belfast, Maine. At every church appointment, Arlin firmly believed in being an integral part of the local community, dedicated to connecting area ministers to foster a shared, supportive community of faith. He honored all faiths, held a profound belief in the sacred interrelationship of the three Abrahamic traditions, and strove in all his interactions with others to live as Jesus taught in the Beatitudes. In 2021, Arlin moved from Maine to Newnan, Georgia, trading the rocky coastlines for the warmth of the South, all to fulfill his greatest joy: being near his family. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, his quiet wisdom, and the deep love he held for his family. Service Information: Visitation & Parking: 1:00 PM at Barrow Hall (located at the corner of Salbide Ave and Perry Street). Memorial Service: 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, at Newnan Presbyterian Church, 38 Greenville Street, Newnan, GA. Livestream: For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed live on the NPC YouTube page beginning around 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either of the following organizations: Habitat for Humanity Tribute Giving, www.habitat.org Coweta Samaritan Clinic, www.csccare.org Online condolences can be shared by visiting www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580

Rev. Dr. Arlin Tolsby Larson

April 16, 1945 - June 21, 2026