WALNUT HILL — Larry Smith, 85, of Walnut Hill, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023, at his home.
He was born November 23, 1937, in Edinburgh, Illinois, the son of Victor A. Smith and Ada M. (Hanna) Smith. He married Mary Ellen Roper on June 6, 1959, and she survives in Walnut Hill.
In addition to his wife of 63 years, Mary Ellen Smith of Walnut Hill, Larry is also survived by his son: Randy Smith and wife Debbie of Bonnie; daughter: Marla Hood and husband Tim of Carmel, Indiana; daughter-in-law: Tamera Hogan and husband Gerry of Kimberling City, Missouri; eight grandchildren: Randa Rowland and husband Chris of Bonnie, Ashley Parle and husband Steve of St. Louis, Missouri, Andy Hogan of Richmond Heights, Missouri, Joely McMeen and husband Mason of Salem, Roger Hood of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, Frances Hood of Louisville, Kentucky, Delani Hood of Carmel, Indiana, and Liam Hood of Carmel, Indiana; four great-grandchildren: Shaylen, Kinley, Wyatt and Roper; brother: Gene Smith and wife Susie of Centralia; two sisters: Fran Garrison and Lloyd Wert of Centralia and Pat Gordon and husband Darrel of Walnut Hill; 2 brothers-in-law: Richard “Dick” Jones of Centralia and Bill Tockstein of Centralia; two sisters-in-law: Helen Smith of Maryville and Donna Dosier of Belleville; several nieces and nephews; and devoted friend and neighbor: Frank Hughes of Walnut Hill.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Victor and Ada Smith, son: Roger Smith, granddaughter: Chanda Smith, two brothers: Ron Smith and Don Smith, two sisters: Judy Jones and Nancy Tockstein, three nephews: Brad Gordon, Eric Garrison and Greg Smith, and a niece: Dana West.
Larry worked for the Centralia Fire Department for 31 years, with 9 years of those years serving as Fire Chief. He was happy to enjoy retirement longer than his career.
Larry was a member of the Foundation Church in Centralia. He also enjoyed working with the Craftsmen’s for Christ, going to volunteer at the Oakdale Christian Academy in Kentucky, and attending the Cowden Family Camp. Ringing the bells and visiting with everyone at Christmas time for the Salvation Army was one of his favorite things.
Larry loved camping and traveling with his family. He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia and also from 10 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, until the time of service at the funeral home.
Funeral Services for Larry Smith will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Jeremy Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SSM Hospice or Oakdale Christian Academy and will be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, 618-532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Smith family.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page.