Larry Smith

Larry W. Smith, age 75, of Columbus, Nebraska died Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus with Military Honors by The American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Private Family Burial will be in the Columbus Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Live On Nebraska, Trinity Lutheran or Donor's Choice.

Larry Wayne Smith was born July 31, 1947 in Roanoke, Virginia to Paul D. and Margariete (Moore) Smith. He was a 1966 graduate of Fleming High School in Roanoke, Virginia. Larry enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1968 – 1972. After the service he worked for the United States Postal Service for about 11 years. In 1974, Larry and his two partners Jim Wemhoff and Loren Henggeler opened the first franchise of Godfather's Pizza in Columbus, going on to own several stores in Nebraska and Corpus Christi, Texas. They eventually sold the stores in the late 1980's. Larry was an avid golfer until his health prevented him from playing. Larry never met a stranger. He loved visiting with people no matter where he was at, but the most joy he had in life was spending time with his "special friend", great nephew Spencer Shotkoski. Larry enjoyed watching Spencer compete in his sporting activities and just hanging out together.  He married his wife of 30 years, Sheryl Michener on January 23, 1993.

He is survived by:
Wife: Sheryl Smith of Columbus, NE
Sister: Norma (Ray) Keevan of Roanoke, VA
Sister: Judy Webb of Roanoke, VA
Brother: Chris Smith of Roanoke, VA
Mother-in-law: Betty Michener of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law: Bonnie (Mike) Evans of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law: Twyla (Donald) Lewis of Columbus, NE
Brother-in-law: Murray Michener of San Antonio, TX
Sister-in-law: Sandy (Pat) Arasmith of Columbus, NE
Brother-in-law: Terry Michener of Omaha, NE
Brother-in-law: Chris Michener of Bellevue, NE
Many Nieces and Nephews

He was preceded in death by:
Parents: Paul D. and Margariete Smith
Brother: Don L. Smith
Brother: Eugene D. Smith
Sister: Carol S. Roberts
Father-in-law: Norman Michener
Brother-in-law: Chuck Willets