Lawrence Lyle Smith, age 86, of Warrensburg, Mo., passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park surrounded and comforted by his family.
He was born August 18, 1938, in Rochester, Minn., the son of Walter and Nellie (Little) Smith.
At the age of 14, he met the love of his life, Judith Halvorson. They were united in marriage on May 3, 1957, in Mabel, Minn. Through their 67 years of marriage, they experienced all life and love had to offer.
Lawrence proudly served his country for 30 years in the United States Air Force. He achieved the highest NCO rank of CMSGT in the speciality field of Communications and Computer Maintenance. He had a true passion for the outdoors, hunting and the adventure of travel, visiting all 50 states and 15 countries.
Lawrence is survived by his wife Judith Smith, his children Sherry (John) Verrant, Susan Smith, William (Kimberly) Smith, and Sandi (Doug) McKenzie; his grandchildren Christopher (Whitney) Smith, Daniel (Lauren) Smith, McKenna Smith, John Verrant, Katie Verrant, Taylor McKenzie, Jaeden McKenzie, and Rhys McKenzie; his great-grandchildren Clara, Ella, Avery, Hallie, and another girl on the way; his brother Charles Daugherty, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Pastor Joel Kurz officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Lawrence’s name to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Inurnment will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Missouri Veteran Cemetery in Higginsville, with military honors.