Larry Smith, 76

Larry Warren Smith passed away of natural causes April 19, 2023 in Kalispell. Larry was born March 20, 1947 in Louisville, Mississippi to Leon and Evelyn Smith. He grew up in Hingham and graduated from Hingham High School in 1966.

Larry enlisted in the Navy in 1968. He was stationed aboard the USS Providence during the Vietnam War. Larry received many awards and medals including Navy Achievement, Navy Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Southwest Asian Service, War on Terrorism, Kuwait and Saudi Lib of Kuwait, Cold War Victory, U.S. Communication, U.S. Navy Communication Service and Honorable Discharge. Larry was very proud of his medals and serving his country. He was released from active duty in 1974 as an Electronic Tech E7. Larry was in the Naval Reserve from 1985-1993 with a tour of duty in Desert Storm.

Larry married Wanita Glover July 20, 1974 in Kalispell. To their union Leon was born in 1978. Larry and Wanita lived in several states, but Kalispell became their home.

In 1997 Larry was issued a U.S. patent for his invention of a machine for re-inking ink jet cartridges, the beginnings of a successful business, Ribbon Works. He also kept busy with his laser art designs hobby creating different military plaques, fishing derby plaques and various other custom designs. Larry was instrumental in securing four DAV vans for the Kalispell area, driving veterans to and from appointments for many years. He was a member of the South Kalispell Volunteer Fire Department and attained the rank of Assistant Fire Chief.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Evelyn; sister, Wanda Mills; and younger brother, James. He is survived by his wife Wanita of 48 years; son, Leon (Naomi) Havre; sisters, Lynn (John) Paasch and Linda Smith of Bremerton WA, and Pam (David) Wilson of Havre; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m., April 26 at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Larry's service will be held April 27 at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St. Interment with full military honors to follow at the Conrad Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Larry’s name can be made to the North Star School Foundation in Hingham, South Kalispell Volunteer Fire District, Trinity Lutheran Church or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

You may leave a message of condolences for the family on Johnson-Gloschat web page.