Larry Lee Smith, 83, of rural Novinger, Missouri, born on September 28th, 1941 in Green Castle, Missouri, passed away surrounded by his loving family at his home on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Larry was the beloved husband of Chrisann (Cory) Smith, they were united in marriage on January 21, 1961. They met dancing at Green Castle, and danced through 64 years of marriage. Together they built a life rich with love, raising two children: Jeffrey Smith and Jennifer Chrisman.

Larry graduated with the Green City High School’s class of 1959. He grew up working alongside his father on Spring Creek Ranch north of Green Castle, instilling a love for the land and a tireless work ethic. After high school he worked at Arnold Lumber Company, Baldwin Biz-Mart, construction, and in 1978 he was elected as the 2nd District Judge of Adair County, where he was proud to have helped start the Adair County Health Department. Larry’s other careers included roles as an insurance adjuster for multiple companies; a real estate agent; Board President of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Adair County; and construction with his son. He was also a Mason, member of the Kirksville Jaycees and the Travelers Protection Association. Perhaps he was most well known for owning and operating Annie’s C Store with his wife Chrisann in Novinger from 1993 to 2002.

A lifelong farmer, Larry worked with his father-in-law Lawrence Cory on a farm west of Novinger until his passing in 1973, and continued farming alongside his wife, son, and grandson Cory Smith until recent years when his health began to fail. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passions: hunting quail, arrowhead hunting, metal detecting and enjoying his cattle. Larry had many metal detecting finds he loved to share; each find was filled with history. Larry also had a creative mind. His family will also remember him for the many poems and stories he created, especially for his story about a man named Shagnasty, and his poems about Heaven where he is now. Larry deeply loved and cherished his four grandchildren, five bonus grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and ten bonus great grandchildren. Most importantly, on September 16, 2013, Larry accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at Thousand Hills State Park.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Orval and Vye (Pierce) Smith; his mother and father-in-law, Lawrence and Helen Cory; his sisters Phyllis Ferguson, Doris Ann “Annie” Dillard, and Virginia Young; brothers Loren and Frank Smith; brothers-in-law John Ferguson, Leon Dillard, Paul Young, and Jerry Daniels; son-in-law Stacy Daniels, step granddaughter Autumn Sparks Early, and angel grandbaby Stacy William Marilyn Daniels.

He is survived by his devoted wife Chrisann; children Jeffrey (Julie) Smith of Kirksville and Jennifer (Mark) Chrisman of Green Castle; sister-in-law Nancy Daniels; grandchildren Cory (Kimmie) Smith, Chris (Carlye) Smith, Samantha (Nate) Dolan, and Tristan (Rachael) Daniels; bonus grandchildren Alecia Strickland, Katy Foster, Amity Marcial, and Asa Sparks; seven great grandchildren, and ten bonus great grandchildren.

Public graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Novinger Cemetery, with Pastor Steve Easterwood officiating.

His legacy of love, hard work, fun and jokes will be carried on by all who knew and loved him, for Larry never knew a stranger. Larry will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Larry may be made to Novinger Cemetery. Donations may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.