Michael Larry Smith was born in Buffalo, Missouri September 12, 1939 to parents, Homer L Smith and Elizabeth (Bonner) Smith and departed this life, surrounded by loving family, Monday night, January 17, 2022 in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri.

In his youth, Larry was a band geek enthusiastically playing 1 ^st chair trombone in Buffalo elementary and high school bands and orchestras. In his early teens Larry was employed by his generationally owned family business, Bonner Ice and Feed, Buffalo, MO.  One of his duties there was to deliver ice to town businesses, pharmacies and restaurants that would place their daily orders in the window for how many blocks of ice would be required for the day. Another key activity for Larry during his teens was showing prize winning beef cattle in 4-H and FFA sponsored competitions at local and state fairs.

Larry was a loyal member of the 'class of 57' graduating from Buffalo High School, a group he valued for the remainder of his life, attending yearly class reunions until the last two were cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

On June 15, 1958, at almost 19 years of age, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Ruth Potter at the First Christian, Buffalo, Missouri, and they became proud parents to Larry Paul, Lisa Lynn, and Timothy Michael Smith.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agriculture from the University of Missouri, Columbia, plus numerous graduate hours, also from MU.

After moving to Ash Grove, Missouri, he became an effective participant in civic affairs including the local Chamber of Commerce. While serving as president of that organization, in the early 70s, he was instrumental in reinstating the town's street fair and livestock show.

Mr. Smith served as a high school Vocational Agriculture Instructor and FFA sponsor in various schools, including Ash Grove and Mt. Vernon, retiring from Willard High School after a total of 28 years of teaching. During his tenure of teaching, he was involved and held offices in the Area 8 Vocational Agriculture Association, Community Teachers Association, and Missouri State Teachers Association.  Currently he maintained membership in the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.   From 1969 to 1985 he co-owned and operated with his wife, Marilyn, an OTASCO store in Ash Grove. For a short time after retirement Larry established and ran The Prairie Patch, a U pick berry patch at the family hobby farm on Highway 160.

Smith was a long time active member of First Christian Church of Ash Grove (Disciples of Christ), serving in many leadership capacities including deacon and elder as long as health allowed.  One of his most endearing church memories was chairing the restoration of the historical 1881 sanctuary to its original beauty.

Preceding Larry in death were his parents and brothers Jerry Smith and Jack Smith. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn of the home, sons, Paul Smith (Lori Daniel), Ash Grove, MO, Tim Smith(Tracy) Purdy, MO, and daughter, Lisa Wallace(Allen) Willard, MO.  Grandchildren: Breanna Scott (Randall), their children, Kendrick and Hensley, Clever, MO; Jennie Hickinbotham(Michael), their children Harrison, Hudson, and Carter, Purdy, MO; Jared Smith(Brookelyn), Purdy, MO; Alex Wallace, Normal IL; and Kyle Wallace(Haley) Sheboygan, WI; one niece, Sara Smith Griffin(Jeremy) and family Oradell, New Jersey and a nephew, Douglas Smith(Michele) and son of St. Charles, MO; as well as sister-in-law, Mary Smith Moore and brother-in-law, Gary Moore, Springfield, MO

Open visitation will be Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 2:00pm also at the Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, 201 Daniel, Ash Grove, Missouri.  Interment will follow in the Ash Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Ash Grove FFA and left at the funeral home or mailed to Ash Grove Agriculture Department, 100 N. Maple Ln, Ash Grove, MO 65604 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Guests are encouraged to wear masks and COVID protocol will be followed carefully.