Larry D. Smith

Larry D. Smith

April 12, 1938 - Jan. 5, 2012

NORTON, Kansas -- Larry D. Smith, 73, of Norton, died Thursday (Jan. 5, 2012), at his residence in Norton.

He was born April 12, 1938, to Lawrence and Vera (Brown) Smith in Edmond, Kansas.

He was raised in Edmond and Hoxie, Kansas and graduated from Hoxie High School in 1956. He served in the United States Army.

On Oct. 3, 1964, he married Mary Ellen Schlageck.

After marriage, he lived in Colby for three years, then moved to Norton.

He was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, National Rifle Association, Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, on June 30, 2006; his parents, Lawrence and Vera Smith; sisters, Xyla and Delores Smith; and in-laws, Herman and Kathryn Schlageck.

Survivors include his sons, Doug Smith and Robert Smith of Norton; daughters, Kathryn and Brian Pfannensfiel of Norton; four brothers, Dean Smith of Great Bend, Kansas, Don and Paula Smith of Sun City, Arizona, Gary and Cris Smith of Hoxie, Dale and Gail Smith of Colona, Illinois; one sister, Karen and Darrell Allen of Hoxie; and five grandchildren.

Services will be Wednesday, Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m. at the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Norton, with the Rev. Benjamin Saw officiating. Interment is at the Selden Cemetery in Selden, Kansas.

Visitation is Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin, then from 5-8 p.m. at the church in Norton with a vigil service on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Pauls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.