LIBERAL, Kan. - Larry William Smith, 86, of Liberal, Kan., formerly of Dixon, died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. He was employed by the Kansas Department of Transportation as an engineer in the 1950s, and by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Dixon, retiring in 1988.
Larry was born Sept. 15, 1922, in Independence, Kan., the son of Clarence Oliver and Zelda Eva (Reppert) Smith. He graduated from Kansas State University. Larry was a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II, serving as a weatherman on the island of Trinidad. He married Angie Harrison on April 16, 1949, in Kansas City, Kan. She preceded him in death on June 1, 1996. Larry was a member of Liberal United Methodist Church, Liberal, Kan. In Dixon, he was active member of United Methodist Church; belonged to the professional engineers organization; and served on the city planning commission. When retired, he crafted dulcimers as a hobby and supported the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Seward County Community College Saints.
Survivors include one daughter, Zelda Smith Drew of Rolla, Kan.; one sister, Arlis Parker of Lenexa, Kan.; and one grandson, David Smith Leidig of Manhattan, Kan.
Memorial service is at 10 a.m. Thursday at Liberal Springs Assisted Living Center, Liberal, Kan. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial is at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Arrangements were completed by Cornerstone of Wichita, Wichita, Kan.