Larry D. Smith

Larry D. Smith, 76 of Benson, died unexpectedly July 13, 2020, at St. Cloud Hospital. A public visitation will be held from 11-2:00 pm, Friday, July 17, 2020, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson with a private family service to follow.  Social distancing and a mask are encouraged. Burial with military honors will be in the Benson City Cemetery.  Arrangements are with the Harvey Anderson Funeral Home.                                                                                                                                 

Larry Douglas Smith was born on August 17, 1943, in Benson, the son of Leland and Edna (Heschke) Smith.  He grew up in Benson and attended Benson High School.  He enlisted into the U.S. Army where he served his country from 1961 to 1963 and served in the reserves, being deployed to Guatemala during the Gulf War.  On July 24, 1966, Larry was united in marriage to Barbara Johnson in Benson.  They made their home in Michigan until the sudden death of their daughter, Brenda. They returned to Benson in 1976 to be near family.  Larry owned and operated Metropolitan TV which grew into a cellular distributor, Radio Shack and Dish Network.  In his later years, he and Barb worked the Junktique Shoppe where he tinkered, fixed, renewed vintage finds and made candles.

Larry was a member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church.  He took an interest in being active in the Benson community by running for City Council, and being an active member of the Airport Commission and Park Board. He enjoyed gardening and shopping for the best deal and was known to drive across town for it. He loved his 1966 Chevy Nova from the year they got married.  His pride and joy was his family and saved and copied any accomplishment they achieved.

Larry  is survived by his wife, Barbara of 54 years; children, Scott (Stephanie) Smith of Swift Falls, Brad Smith of Willmar, Janine (Jon) Ellingson of Swift Falls, Jennifer (Todd) Collins of Benson and Christina Narragon of Benson; 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Larry is preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda; parents, Leland and Edna; sister, Dorothy Everson, son-in-law, Shawn Narragon, and father and mother-in-law, Morris and Hulda Johnson.

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