Birth date: Jan 29, 1941 Death date: Oct 18, 2022
Larry LaVern Smith, age 81, of Moravia passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at his home. Larry was born on January 29, 1941 in Oskaloosa, Iowa the son of Rev H. LaVern and Eunice (Milligan) Smith. On June 14, 1963 Larry married Read Obituary
I was very concerned when I heard Larry and family were moving to Moravia and he was 6'4 so I thought real competion for the center position on the basketball team. I may have said a prayer that he would not be a very good basketball player and then as Richard mentioned I got to go visit Larry bed ridden in his parents home. It made me ashemed for praying that Larry wouldn't be very good at basketball. Fortuntally, when Larry visited us in Fairfax VA. I got to tell him of my prayers and the guilt I had. The last fall festivial class reunion I attended Larry and I got to chat for a long time sitting in his golf cart and listening to two sisters singing gospel songs. I will miss seeing him and having some good conversations with him. He was and is an inspiration as one who gets on with life. God Bless Rose Mary and all his children and grandchildren.
When Larry and family came to Moravia he was bedridden at home. A telephone line was set up between his bed and a school classroom. Our English teacher divided our class into pairs, and each noon hour a pair of classmates would go to his home to visit and become acquainted with him.He became a good and likable classmate. He rarely, if ever, missed a class reunion.From the MHS Class of 1959.
My memories of Larry are from hunting at his farm with my dad who also recently passed and of seeing him at Nazarene camps in Des Moines. My only experience of milking a cow by hand was at Larry's place. He enjoyed people, being generous and kind. I felt good about being around him.
Lit a candle in memory of Larry LaVern Smith
Larry Lavern Smith, aka Lorenzo to the Self's - you will only know how much you have influenced our lives once we meet in Heaven. How many times you have been God's deliverer for Ron and me, they cannot be counted. How one person can be so stern and yet so compassionate at the same time is truly a tribute to humanity. We cannot ever thank you and Rose Mary enough for the love you have shown to us through our years of friendship. You have given many times over what we could have returned. Your family is our family. We love each one. In the years ahead that God allows us, we will do our best to strive to live the example you left behind. We believe you always knew how much we loved you!
I first met Larry and his family in my first pastor at Bloomfield, Iowa. Our friendship grew to many wonderful times together. Great family and he will be greatly missed. What a wonderful day it will be to be reunited with him on heavens shore. Great family!
