Lawrence D. Smith

Lawrence D. Smith, 86, of Delaware, passed away peacefully Friday May 24, 2019 at Willow Brook Christian Village with his loving wife Sally by his side. He was born January 10, 1933 to the late Antonio and Franke Smith in Denver, Colorado. Larry is survived by his loving wife of nearly 64 years Sally; children Sally Hough and her husband Don Anderson, Bob (Sue) Smith, and Tom (Lori) Smith; grandchildren David (Tenley), Nathan (Brittainy), Andrew, Abby, and Brody; great grandchildren Tyler, Alex, Natalie, and Kyle; step-grandchildren Ashley (Mike), Laura (Tom), Austin, and Justin; and step-great grandchildren Nick, Abby, Katie, and Rachel. He is predeceased by his granddaughter Christine.

After growing up in Sterling, CO, Larry worked his way through the University of Colorado, earning a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering in 1955. Upon graduation, he began a distinguished 38-year career with the Union Oil Company, succeeding in numerous roles of increasing responsibility, primarily in sales and marketing management, and retired in August 1993. He was beloved by all who worked for him.

Larry met the love of his life Sarah (Sally) Shick while in college, and they were married in June 1955. Children followed soon, and so began the adventures of the Smith family living in many different homes across several states as Larry progressed in his Union 76 career. Through all these corporate moves, however, he always prioritized his family and was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

Larry was a man of faith as evidenced though his involvement in many different organizations. As a long-time, devoted member of Worthington Presbyterian Church, he helped in a wide variety of ministry areas, including the initial creation of the church's Columbarium. Outside of church, he and Sally regularly volunteered for the NNEMAP Food Pantry and St. Ann's Hospital for many years.

Beyond his work and his volunteer activities, Larry had many other interests including golfing, fishing, bridge, and especially traveling. After retirement, he and Sally went on many different tours and cruises all over the world. He also organized and led numerous annual Smith family reunion adventures for his children and grandchildren, including cruises, train trips, and vacation home rentals. These have provided lifetime memories to all his extended family.

In every setting and situation, Larry was happy, big-hearted, and personable to all he encountered. While devoted to his family and friends, he loved meeting and interacting with new people. He was well known for his sense of humor, constantly joking and having fun with others, even in his final days. He particularly loved small children and dogs, and he will be greatly missed by his "grand dogs" Tucker and Laney.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00PM on Friday June 7, 2019 at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St., Worthington, OH. A memorial service followed by a luncheon reception will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday June 8, 2019 at WORTHINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 773 High St., Worthington, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the NNEMAP Food Pantry, either online at www.nnemappantry.org/give/ or by mail (send checks to NNEMAP, Inc., c/o Brian Knueppel - Treasurer, P.O. Box 10614, Columbus, OH, 43201).