Larry Gene Smith, son of the late William Brice Smith and Bertha Mae Love Smith Treadwell, was born May 1, 1938 in Windyville, Missouri and departed this life on January 25, 2023 at the age of 84.
Pastor Larry Smith served over 60 years in the ministry. He began his first pastorale in 1962 at Emerson Street Church of God in Kennett, Missouri where he served for 9 ½ years. He also served in Shreveport, LA and at Inspiration Church of God in Eastland, Texas before coming back to serve in his hometown of East Prairie for 12 years. After retirement, he continued to serve at Tanner Street Church of God as interim pastor for several years, before he returned to East Prairie, to once again serve as interim pastor, and then later as Pastor Emeritus.
He served on many boards and committees during his time in the ministry and was passionate supporter of mission work. He travelled on many trips to serve over the years. Including the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, Taipei, Taiwan, Guatemala and Honduras.
He was a diligent worker and would do whatever job needed to be done. Many days in his “retirement” he could be found climbing a ladder and repairing something at the church. Pastor Larry was instrumental in envisioning and building the Family Life Center at the First Church of God in East Prairie, which has become a community gathering place. He continued to serve the Lord until his death. His absence from this life will be mourned but we rejoice in his homecoming.
On July 12, 1959, in the Pultight Church of God in East Prairie, he married Ruby Wilson and they had 63 wonderful years together before Larry was called home.
Other than his wife he is survived by three special nieces, Rhonda (Harry) Brack, Elizabeth (Blake) Story and Olivia (Jeremy) Lueder; two special nephews, Jonathan (Haley) Brack and Jeremy (Tina) Lewis; special great nieces and nephews, Wade Brack and baby Brack, Kendriya and Jersee Story; Special friends, Georgetta and Dave Stephenson; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Micki Smith; nephew, Wayne Smith; and his step-father, James Delmar Treadwell.
Visitation will be held Saturday January 28, 2023, at the First Church of God in East Prairie from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Dawn Walters officiating. Burial will follow at the East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery in East Prairie.
Pallbearers will be Jeremy Lewis, Jonathan Brack, Harry Brack, Jeremy Lueder, Blake Story and Danny Ivie.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Wilson, Terry Wilson, Donnie Wilson, Helen Lewis, Bill Lewis, Freddy Daniels, Madge Daniels, Lloyd Smith, Kevin Walters, Shirley Ivie.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
