Larry Smith Obituary

Larry Basil Smith was born Oct 09, 1935 in Larned, KS to Harold and Nellie Smith, and died Sept 13, 2023 in Mancos, CO. He graduated from Grant High school (class of '53) in Stark, KS. After high school Larry enlisted in the Navy and served from 1954-1958. After his time in the Navy, he moved to Dove Creek, CO and went to work drilling test holes looking for Uranium. While living in Dove Creek he met and married LaDonna (West) Smith on Nov. 22, 1963 and they moved to Durango, CO shortly after. Larry worked for years at the John Deere dealership where he made many friends in the agricultural community. After the John Deere dealership closed Larry went to work for Midwest Transit hauling mail to and from Denver. Larry and LaDonna had two sons Tyler and Cameron, and a daughter Kari. In 1996 Larry and LaDonna moved to Bloomfield, NM. where they both retired. Larry enjoyed cutting wood, and had many customers he delivered to for years. Growing up, Larry really enjoyed playing sports and excelled at the game of basketball. He was an avid Kansas Jayhawk fan, and couldn't wait for March Madness to start every year. Larry also loved listening to country western music and taking drives. In 2022 Larry and LaDonna moved back to Durango to be closer to family. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, twelve siblings and wife LaDonna. Survivors include sons Tyler and Cameron (Amber), daughter Kari (Darren), grandsons Bobby, Danny (Savanah), and Dayne (Kenzie), great grandchildren Dawson and Kennedy, and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held 11am Saturday Sept. 23, 2023 at the Florida Cemetery 2061 CR-225 Durango, CO. 81301