Larry Smith

Larry Smith, 80, of Mt. Erie, IL passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Deaconess Regional Healthcare Services in Marion, IL.

Larry was born July 26, 1945, to Payton Rolland and Mildred (Mckitrick) Smith in Fairberry, IL. He married Patty Smith on June 22, 1969 at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She preceded him in death on December 13, 2011.

Larry worked at AMF in Olney, IL, Web Printing in Fairfield, IL and he retired from Airtex in Fairfield, IL He had also served in the United States Army. Larry was very proud that he donated twenty-four gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He was creative with his hands and mind. In his spare time, he designed and built race cars from the bottom up and also deigned and made a motorcycle trike before they became extremely popular. He enjoyed drag racing and attending car shows. He attended Victory Baptist Church.

He is survived by his children, Larry P (Cathy) Smith Jr of McLeansboro, IL; Darlena Marie Smith of Belle-Rive, IL; two sisters Martha (Vic) Both, and Patricia Rigg; seven grandchildren Maria Christine Mitchell, Larry P. Smith III, Christopher Lee Mayberry, Mallory Nichole Bullington, Charles Drake Smith, Carlin Michael Depew, and Holly Whitlock; and eleven great grandchildren.

Preceding in death were his parents Payton Rolland and Millie Smith, wife Patty Smith, Lyle Rutger and Verle Rutger.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 5pm-7pm at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home in Cisne, IL.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home in Cisne, IL. Burial will follow in Travers Cemetery near Mt. Erie, IL. with Military Honors conducted by Anthony Wayne Post 176 American Legion & Wayne Memorial Post 4535.

Memorial donations in memory of Larry made be given to the Anthony Wayne Post 176 American Legion & Wayne Memorial Post 4535 in Fairfield, IL. or Darrell Gwynn Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, Illinois