Larry Gene Smith

Larry Gene Smith, age 80, of Vandalia, MO passed away at 11:35 pm Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Tri-County Care Center.

A life-long resident of the Vandalia area, Larry was born in Bowling Green, MO on June 15, 1941 to Walter Clark Smith and Dorothy Jewel Christine Smith (Miller). As a young boy, he grew up in Estes, MO and attended the Bowling Green School District.

He was united in marriage to Sheila Kay Grisham on February 28, 1970. Together they had two children. A daughter Angela Dawn Smith, and a son Dustin Lee Smith. Everyone that knew Larry would tell you he was a hard worker, and helped anyone in need. He took pride in every job he had. Although he took his work very serious, he was always the "jokester". He loved making people laugh, and would tell them to "not take life to seriously".

Larry drove a semi-truck and was a very skilled mechanic. During his career, he owned his own small trucking company. He also was an owner-operator and drover for many companies such as Oliver Transportation Inc., Lomax, Opies, and several others. He was proud of his involvement with his part of the building of the Clarence Cannon Dam at Mark Twain Lake.

After retiring from driving, Larry continued to work for local farmers driving and hauling livestock and grain. He also worked for the Department of Transportation, and drove a bus for the Van-Far School District at the end of his career. He loved that job the most, and being with the kids.

Larry loved cars his entire life. He and his brothers always enjoyed buying cars, fixing them up, and visiting car shows as well. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, Cardinals Baseball, and westerns. He loved taking his family camping, fishing, vacationing, and spending as much time as possible with them. Larry was a member of the Southside Baptist Church.

He is survived by his Daughter, Angela Morris Smith, and husband Ryan Morris of Vandalia; Son, Dustin Smith, and wife Marie Smith of Vandalia; two Brothers, Earl Wayne Smith, and wife Martha Smith of Bowling Green, and Terry Eugene Smith of Vandalia; four Grandsons, Isaac Lee Smith, Gavin Lee Smith, Noah Carter Smith and Andrew Carlyle Morris; one Step-Grandson, Tyler Robinson; two Neices, Deanna Gillett of Kansas City, and Tiffany Flannagan Smith of Praire Village, KS.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, and Wife, Shelia Kay Smith (Grisham).

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 pm Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Waters Funeral Home. Bro. Kenny Haddock will officiate. Interment of cremated remains will be in the Vandalia Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation celebrating Larry's life will be held at 5:00 pm until the time of service, Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the Waters Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers are Isaac Lee Smith, Gavin Lee Smith, Noah Carter Smith, Andrew Carlyle Morris, and Tyler Robinson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tri-County Nursing Home, in care of Waters Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Larry's memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com.