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Lawrence
Edward Smith May 1, 1928-Jan 23, 2011
Lawrence Edward Smith, 82, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Woodland Hospice.
A memorial service for Lawrence will be held at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Cindy Skutar officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday, January 29, 2011 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Woodland Hospice House. Envelopes will be available at Clark Family Funeral Chapel and during the service at the church.
Lawrence was born on May 1, 1928 in Detroit, the son of Harry L. Smith and Vergual C. (Freer) Smith. He married A. Ann Patterson on July 11, 1953 in Port Huron. Lawrence served in the Navy during World War II from 1945 until 1947. He joined the Naval Reserve in 1947 and was recalled to active duty for the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1952, flying 29 combat missions as a member of Patrol Squadron 731.
After graduating from Belleville High School in 1946, Lawrence earned his bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University and his masters from University of Michigan. Lawrence began teaching in 1954 in Royal Oak as a sixth-grade teacher. In 1960 he became the first principal of Hawkins Elementary School in Brighton. In 1966 he became deputy secretary of the Michigan School Board Association. In 1968 he moved to Mt. Pleasant and worked as principal of Ganiard Elementary for 16 years, director of Adult and Continuing Education for 6 years. He also taught part-time at Central Michigan University.
He was a former member of Phi Delta Kappa, Mount Pleasant Country Club, Boy Scouts of America, and Ducks Unlimited, an active member of First United Methodist Church, Rotary, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, Masonic Lodge of Belleville, and the American Legion Post of Mt. Pleasant, and a life member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association and VFW Post of Mount Pleasant.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Ann; children, John Lawrence Smith (Marrianne) of Mt. Pleasant, David Wendell Smith (Linda Morton) of Bremerton, WA, and Margaret Ann McKillop (Gordon) of Kingwood, TX; grandchildren, Jessica Leigh Budzynski-Stotts (Matthew), Patterson Paul Smith, Cathryn Margaret McKillop, Kristina Grace McKillop, and Amy Christine Hartman (Barrett); great-grandchildren, Brandon James Hartman, Alexander David Hartman, Allison Elizabeth Hartman, and Brooke Amy Hartman; sister, Margaret Elizabeth Smith of Battle Creek.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents.
You may view Lawrence's obituary online and send a condolence to the family at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
We are sorry for your loss- Larry was a good neighbor
Bill & Joan Ruddell
January 28, 2011
My deepest condolences to the entire Smith family on your loss. I attended Ganiard Elementary from 1968-1974 and have many fond memories and great respect for my first school principal.
Rest in peace sir.
Douglas Smith
January 27, 2011
It was what, 10 yrs ago, that I golfed with your Dad and brother? So, your Dad was 71... Who did he think he was, Sam Snead, golfing his age??!!!
So thankful to have your family as a part of my life.
Love and Prayers,
Jack Koester
Michigan City, IN
January 27, 2011
We wanted to offer our sympathy and condolences to the entire Smith Family. You are in our Thoughts and Prayers.
Alan Tolf Jr and Family
January 27, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Anthony Smith
January 27, 2011
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Smith family who despite grief and sadness will always be able to reflect on Larry's life well-lived and respected by so many. We knew Larry as our children's principal at Ganiard, back-door neighbor in Bamber Woods, long-time friend, and sometime visitor as he and Ann traveled south through Indiana to escape Michigan's winters. Know that there are many out there who like us are one with each of you in your deepfelt loss.
Ron and Arline Johnstone
Yorktown, Indiana
January 26, 2011
Smith Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. As a kid, I too remember the rather "intimidating" principal look of Larry Smith, even in the summer time, & he wasn't my principal. I also remember great smiles & the twinkle in his eyes. As an adult, I saw that twinkle even more during his retirement which he lived to the fullest with Ann at his side. He taught so many so well & lead by example. I am so fortunate to have had summers with the extended Smith family in Central Lake.
Margaret Schaal
Traverse City, Michigan
January 26, 2011
To the Smith Family in the old Bamber Woods Neighborhood - I was saddened to hear of Mr. Smith's passing. I remember Mr. Smith as a child, so my first experiences with him were somewhat "intimidating" :) I soon realized he was really a sweet man and had the best interest of all the kids, at heart. He touched a lot of lives at Ganiard Elementary. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Elizabeth (Schultz) Sidaway - Ganiard Elementary Student 1972-1977
Elizabeth (Schultz) Sidaway
January 25, 2011
Clarence and I were saddened to read of Larry`s passing and wish to express our sincere condolences to your entire family. He was a fine man and will be missed. He is in a better place.
Clarence and Mary Ann Tuma
January 25, 2011
Hey John L. our thoughts here at Portage are with you and your family. Personally i just want to say how sorry i am but your dad is in a better place right now. I hope you can take solace in that. Again, may God bless you and your family and comfort you. ........Kelly Popplewell
Kelly Popplewell
January 25, 2011
Dear John L, I never knew your father, but he sounded like such a wonderful man. I am sure you were always proud to know him as your father. They say the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.....with love and warm thoughts and prayers..... Stella Pack-Blair.
Stella Blair
January 25, 2011
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