Larry D. Smith, 81, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, at 10:49 a.m. at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

He was born on May 7, 1939, in Van Wert to the late Ralph and Vonna (Comer) Smith. On Dec. 6, 1980 ,Larry married Laura J. Connor and she survives in LaFayette.

Larry was the owner of the Lima Painting Company. He was a member of the LaFayette Congregational Christian Church. Larry was a U.S. Army Veteran who served from 1961 to 1964.

Also surviving are four sons: Charles (Joni) Smith of Lima, Steve (LeAnn) Smith of Lima, Bill (Mary Palte) Smith of Elida and Robert Dirmeyer of Lima; a daughter,  Deborah (Rick Kirkendall) Wood of LaFayette; a brother-in-law, Harold Dawson of Lima; 12 grandchildren: Phillip Jeanneret, Brandt Smith, Jenna Smith, Eric Smith, Brianna (Mike) Dicke, Trevin Hirsch, Paige (David) Kiley, Gracie (Shawn) Carmean, Allison Dirmeyer, Kayla Poe, Cody R. (Kristie) Wood and Chase Wood; and six great grandchildren: Eli, Kenly, Maxton, Aubrey, Hayden and Gideon.

Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Dawson.

Attendance will be restricted at the funeral and visitation based on space to accommodate social distancing requirements.  Face coverings must be worn while attending visitation and service. 

Private family services will be held at the LaFayette Congregational Christian Church at 205 W. Main St., LaFayette with Pastor Charles Moeller officiating. 

Burial will be in LaFayette Cemetery with graveside military services conducted by the Ada VFW Post #9381 Honor Guard. The funeral service for Larry will be live streamed on the Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services Facebook Page beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17. 

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada.

Memorial contributions may be made to the LaFayette Congregational Christian Church.