Larry Wayne Smith, 90, of Huntington, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Larry graduated from Fullerton Junior College in Fullerton, California. In addition, he later graduated from Huntington College with a bachelor’s degree in Business. Larry served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956 during the Korean War conflict. After his time in the military, he went to work for the Erie Lackawanna Railway for several years. He later worked for Conrail in Buffalo, New York, and the Test Track in Pueblo, Colorado where he oversaw the testing of high speed trains at the Transportation Technology Center. After his time on the railway, Larry opened several “Station Haus” restaurants in Huntington, Columbia City, New Haven, and Lebanon, as well as a truck stop in Rochester.
Later in life, Larry spent time working for the American Red Cross, where he aided with Hurricane Katrina relief; Huntington Area Transportation (H.A.T.); and a security firm in Huntington. Larry was an avid fan of I.U. football and basketball. He took pride in passing down his knowledge and enjoyed spending his time helping and teaching. He had an engineer’s mindset and was able to fix and accomplish anything that he put his mind to.
He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, service to others, and strong work ethic.
Larry was born on December 9, 1935, in Huntington, a son of the late Alvin (Rose) Smith and Marie (Soper) Smith.
He was united in marriage to Shirley Irene Stites on November 26, 1960, in Huntington. She preceded him in death on August 17, 2007.
Survivors include two daughters, Christine (Jeffrey) Walker and Candace Smith of Huntington; two sons, Eric (Marissa) Smith of Canon, Colorado, and Gregory (Kelly) Smith of Indianapolis; a brother, Jack Smith of Huntington; a sister, Sharon Turner of Huntington; seven grandchildren, Jestine Brewer, Christopher (Lindsi) Walker, Jennifer Walker, Caila Smith, Matthew Smith, Zach Smith, and Isaac Smith; along with seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a brother, Carl Smith; two nephews, Kent Stell and David Fisher; and a great-granddaughter, Lainey Drabenstot.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Myers Funeral Home, Huntington Chapel, located at 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, IN 46750.
A private family service will be held following the visitation.
Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross or Samaritan’s Purse in care of Myers Funeral Home, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, IN 46750.
