Larry Vernon Hallum

1943 - 2023

LARRY VERNON HALLUM

September 4, 1943 April 22, 2023

Larry Vernon Hallum was born in Bakersfield, California, on September 4, 1943, to Minnie Ethel Downum and John Vernon Hallum. His parents migrated to Bakersfield from Stidham, Oklahoma, his mother taking a Greyhound Bus across the country with his then 18-month-old sister, Jonnie Mae, to meet her husband, who had already gone ahead to find work. The Hallums settled first at the Pomeroy Jewett Ranch, and then upgraded to Royal Street in Arvin. Soon, John and Minnie welcomed children Carolyn Sue, Virginia Ann, Larry Vernon, and Barry Lee. Larry often referred to himself and his siblings as C.I.O.s (California-Improved Okies). They attended the Nazarene Church in Arvin where Larry accepted Christ at the age of eight.

Larry attended Arvin Union Elementary as a child, where he began honing his gift of blab, winning the Henry Greve speech contest in 1957 representing Haven Drive Junior High School. Larry graduated from Arvin High School in 1961, where he was enthusiastically involved in student government (Senior Class vice president) and played B Class football and varsity tennis.

After graduation, Larry attended Bakersfield College for two years, where he received the Bakersfield Lions Club Scholarship and played tennis. For his bachelors degree, he turned down a full-ride scholarship to Stanford University to follow his roots and return to the University of Oklahoma, Home of the Sooners. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Christian Fraternity there and would always send his papers home for his older sister, Ginger, to type for him. He completed his student teaching in Norman, Oklahoma and received his bachelors degree in history and political science in 1966.

Upon the completion of his degree, Dr. James Fizzer Young offered Larry a job at Arvin High School, but he initially turned down the role. Dr. Young had to call in the big guns (Larry's father, John), who convinced him to take the position.

In 1969, at age 25, Larry volunteered for the draft to fight in the Vietnam War, answering the call like his brother Barry, and was enlisted for two years. He served in reconnaissance in Duc Pho, South Vietnam, earning the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the rank of Sergeant E-5. He was given leave to go home to be with his ailing father and then finished his tour stateside. In Vietnam, Larry adopted the nickname Okie Lar, which stuck with him for life. Later in life, Larry spoke of his time in Vietnam, sharing stories of the young men who lost their lives fighting alongside him. Larry and his son, Ryan, honored these sacrifices as part of the October 2022 Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., during which they visited the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

After completing his tour, Larry returned to Arvin High School for good. Larry's lasting impact on and investment in students is immeasurable. Throughout a teaching career spanning over 40 years, Larry taught thousands of students, often multiple generations. He taught frosh studies, world civilizations, geography, US history, government, and economics in Room #20. He led Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and started his beloved Constitution Team (head coach 1987-2003, assistant coach 2004-2023). He directed the All-Senior Follies for 28 years. He took great pride in his school and made learning the school alma mater and fight song a requirement in his classes. In 1998, he was honored to be the first recipient of the Jim Burke Teacher of the Year Award. He was also named the Arvin Chamber's Citizen of the Year and was given the Key to the City of Arvin. Larry retired from teaching in 2004 and was selected as one of the 100 Outstanding Alumni of Bakersfield College.

Larry was also a consummate coach of football, tennis and even a season of baseball. He taught his frosh-soph cubbies a lifetime of valuable lessons, sometimes sending them on a run around the big tree. As the loudest voice on the sidelines and in the crowd, Coach Hallum was always there to cheer on the athletes. Larry was also a stat keeper for over 20 years, bringing his famous Hubba Hubba to the games and always ready with a GO BEARS! Once a Bear, always a Bear!

In his personal life, Larry met Brenda Sue Golightly, daughter of Calvin Wesley and Fairy LaWanda Waldon, at a Bible study in 1975 and they were married in 1977 at First Presbyterian Church, standing room only. In 1986, the couple welcomed their sons, two for the price of one twins, Drew Jonathan and Ryan Wesley. Larry was their biggest fan, attending any game, concert, or performance in which his boys participated.

In 2017, Larry received his favorite title of Grandpa with the birth of his granddaughter, Abigail Kate. Grandson Wesley Christopher would follow in 2020. Larry and Brenda often drove from Bakersfield to Anaheim and back in one day, just to spend the day with their grandkids. Family was everything to Larry. He was a Hallum Family expert and always enjoyed gathering his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family together for any occasion. And, as many friends can attest, he had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel as if they were part of his family too.

Larry leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Brenda Golightly Hallum, sons Drew Jonathan and Ryan Wesley (wife Katherine Devine), grandchildren Abigail Kate and Wesley Christopher, sisters Virginia Scarbrough (husband Lawrence) and Jonnie Stracner, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and thousands of students who he adored.

In death, Larry joins his siblings Carolyn and Barry, parents, in-laws, and so many others, at the feet of his Lord and Savior, Jesus. As his granddaughter says, he has been reunited with pets Max the cat, and dogs Babe, Pumkin, Blue, and Aussie, and is now enjoying his favorite pastime: a sunset walk on the beach. We know that he is rejoicing with his Heavenly Father and bringing his big team spirit and bear hugs with him. We cherish the thought of Larry greeting us all someday with huge hugs, kisses on the cheek and light in his eyes, welcoming family. What a homecoming that will be!

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Larry Hallum Spirit of Arvin High School Memorial Scholarship. Please send donations to KHSD Educational Foundations, 5801 Sundale Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309. In the memo section, please write Larry Hallum.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 11:00 am. Reception to follow.

Larry will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA 93203, at a later date. Details to follow.

Arvin High School Alumni Association will be hosting a memorial in the fall of 2023. Details to follow.

www.bakersfield.com/obits