Larry Paul Smith

Larry Paul Smith, 76, of Westville, passed away with family by his side on January 23, 2020 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville. Larry was born on May 8, 1943, the son of Howard and Betty (Van Horn) Smith in Moline, IL. Larry married the love of his life Marie Schifo on June 10, 1967.  They enjoyed fifty-two years together and she will miss holding his hand everywhere they went.

Larry leaves behind two sons; Joseph (Krystyn) Smith of Waxhaw, NC and Matthew (Jessica) Smith of Normal, IL., five grandchildren; Morgan (Jake), Alexis, Isabella, Lukas and Jakob, one great granddaughter; Maddilyn, two brothers; David and Dennis Smith and one sister; Barbara (George) Dudich, two brother in laws; Jim (Alyce) Schifo and Bob Schifo (Vina Thompson).  He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Betty Smith.

Larry was a Teacher and a Basketball Coach at Saint Patrick’s school in Danville, and a Principal at St. Mary’s school in Westville.  He later became a District Executive for the Prairie Lands Boy Scout Council.  Larry loved country music and enjoyed playing the guitar and attending jam sessions and local music events with friends and family. Larry also enjoyed time fishing, camping, and going to Scouting events with his sons.  Larry was a member of The Knights of Columbus, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, the Westville Sportsman’s Club, and the Music of the Heartland Society.  He was also a merit badge counselor and Assistant Scout Master of Troop 234 in Westville. Above all Larry was a very giving and loving man who put family above all else.

A Mass with Christian burial will be held on Tuesday January 28, 2020 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Westville, IL at 11am.  Father Timothy Sauppe will officiate. Burial will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Westville. Visitation will be from 4-7pm on Monday January 27, 2020 at Sunset Funeral Home, 414 South State Street, Westville, IL 61883, with Rosary Service starting at 3:30 pm.  Memorials may be made in Larry’s name to the Prairie Lands Scout Council, Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Food Pantry.   Please join Larry’s family in sharing memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

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