Lawrence "Larry" M. Smith

Lawrence "Larry" M. Smith, a beloved and kind-hearted man, passed away on January 29, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on May 25, 1939, in Cedar Rapids, NE, Larry was raised by his parents, Matt and Mary Smith, on a farm with his 11 siblings, Francis, Delores, Agatha, William, Julianne, Rita, Anthony, John, Theresa, Lucille, and his identical twin brother, Martin "Marty". He attended country school in Primrose and graduated in 1957 with a basketball scholarship. His passion for cars began early, leading him to drag races with his Dust-Rose Thunderbird, where he often emerged victorious.

Larry pursued studies in Construction Management at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for two years and went on to become a talented homebuilder. He owned two companies, Lariat Homes and A-Z Construction, building homes in both Omaha and Papillion many featured in the Street of Dreams. A true craftsman, he restored 13 '57 Thunderbirds, including an F Supercharger thunderbird now displayed in a museum in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 1964, Larry married Marsha, the love of his life, whom he met after being introduced by a friend. They shared 62 wonderful years together and had two children, Steve and Shelly. Larry's grandchildren, Amanda, Andrew, Madison, and Matthew, were the light of his later years. He enjoyed building dollhouses, life-size ferris wheels for stuffed animals, and racing small wooden cars for the Pinewood Derby. Larry went on regular excursions with the grandchildren while sharing ice cream with his little dog, Sonar.

Larry was a dedicated member of Nebraska Land Thunderbirds starting it in 1975, attending car shows and winning first prizes for best restoration. He also loved polka dancing with his wife and spent weekends dancing with Ernie Kucera. In his later years, he cherished playing cards with his granddaughter Madison and listening to 70's music.

A strong Catholic, Larry prayed the rosary nightly with his siblings while growing up. He was deeply involved in his children's lives, whether attending Creighton basketball games for Shelly’s Pom Pon performances or cheering for a Miss Omaha pageant win, and celebrating Steve's graduation from Creighton Medical School.

Larry was known for his hard-working nature and warm, welcoming presence. He was adored by all who met him, often helping others despite his own challenges in later years. His family and caregivers remember him as "the sweetest man" and a devoted husband who greeted his wife with love each morning and an infectious smile.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Immanuel Pathways and Legato Living at Skyline for their excellent care, especially Chloe, Lexis, Julie, Gladys, Haley, Amber, and Amy, who loved him like family. His nickname there, "Lare Bear," reflects the affection he inspired.

Larry's final ride in a red T-bird, a car he restored for Joel Schlessinger, brought him immense joy. As he waved goodbye, he left a lasting smile. Larry is going home but will remain forever in our hearts.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marsha Smith; daughter, Shelly (Tom) Taylor and son Steve (Sylvia) Smith. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Amanda, Andrew, Madison and Matthew. He is survived by his sisters, Aggie Horvatich and Lou (Ron) Schram; brothers Bill (Sue) Smith, Marty (Mary) Smith, and Tony (Lois) Smith, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Visitation with Vigil Service to Follow will be held on February 9, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Kahler Dolce Mortuary, 441 North Washington Street, Papillion, Nebraska. The Funeral Mass will take place on February 10, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific Street, Omaha, Nebraska. The Committal Service will be at Cedar Dale Cemetery, 78th Street and Cedardale Road, Papillion, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Legato Living at Skyline, 280 Skyline Drive, Elkhorn, Nebraska; Immanuel Pathways, 5755 Sorenson Parkway, Omaha, Nebraska, or the Lewy Body Dementia Association in Larry's memory.