Lawrence (Larry) Wayne Smith...

Lawrence (Larry) Wayne Smith went to be with the Lord on August 31, 2024, with his family by his side in Branson, Missouri.

Larry was born August 5, 1942, the only son of Marion Arthur Smith and Mildred Mae Nally Smith, at Bethany Hospital in Bethany, MO., and graduated from Gilman City High School. He loved the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He also enjoyed racing, along with watching Sprint car races. Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was the first to hold the newly created position of Physical Plant Director at Missouri Western State University; later leaving to accept the position of Physical Plant Director at Northeast Texas Community College in Mt. Pleasant, TX, where he helped oversee the development and construction of the college. Larry retired as Dean of Physical Plant at Northeast Texas Community College. Upon his retirement he relocated to Forsyth, Missouri, where he accepted the position of City Inspector.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Lois Holmes Smith, parents: Marion and Mildred Smith, daughter Kay Whitsell, son Lonnie Smith, grandson Ryan Griffin, great-grandson Tobias Mendez, and sisters: Norma Jean Smith, Donna L. Carter, and Sherry Perrin.

He is survived by daughter Robin Carpenter (Lewis), sons: Rance Smith (Bernadette) and Michael Smith (Lisa), all of Topeka, KS, daughter Julie Hummer (Mike) of Clarksdale, MO, son-in-law Bruce Whitsell of Clarksdale, MO, daughter-in-law Melanie Smith of Forsyth, MO, sister Mary Lee Chance (Jim) of Gilman City, MO, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service was held Wednesday, September 4, at Fairview Church located at Fairview Cemetery, Bethany, MO., with Bruce Whitsell officiating. Services were under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel, Forsyth, Missouri.

Donations may be made to: Church 3:16, PO Box 130, Forsyth, MO., 65653, in memory of Larry Smith.