Gary Lavern Smith

On September 18, 2025, Gary Lavern Smith of Louisville passed away at the age of 87. Gary was born to William Orloff and Mildred Laferne (Montgomery) Smith on June 6, 1938. He married Mary Kathryn Shafer on August 5, 1958, with whom he spent 49 years building a wholesome and simple farm life, until her passing in December 2007. To this marriage were born four children: Gregory Lavern (Kim) Smith, Jeffrey Scott (Lisa) Smith, Rodney Lyn

(Debbie) Smith, and Kimberly Ann (Doug) Harrison, all of whom survive. Gary is also survived by a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

With Gary's passing, the generation of William Orloff and Mildred Laferne (Montgomery) Smith's children comes to a close, as Gary was the final surviving child of his parents. Gary's siblings included Leland (Betty) Smith, Wanda (Bill) Shroyer, Rita (Hallet) Cosner, Harland (Helen June "Cookie") Smith, and Jencie (Pete) Butcher.

"One of the best things about being a farmer is being able to make your way of life the way you make your living." Gary was a farmer and conservationist, recognized as the Soil & Water Conservation Family of the Year in the late 1970s, and managed a farm that continued through three generations. He wasn't afraid of hard work and long hours, expecting no less from those who worked alongside him. He believed in "charity" and helping your neighbor. He grew up and instilled in his family that a man's word (or handshake) was as important as any legal document. He read his Bible, attended Bethel Christian Church, and was as good an example as one will ever find of a Christian man. He shared 87 years of "stories" worth remembering. His legacy to his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends are those stories and the memories for which "our cup runneth over."

Graveside services to celebrate Gary's life will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Oskaloosa Cemetery, Xenia with James Mulvany officiating, and burial will follow. Everyone attending the services are asked to meet directly at the cemetery just prior to service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gary's memory to either Bethel Christian Church or Oil Belt Christian Service Camp.

The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the family's care and the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Gary, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.