Larry Eugene Smith

Larry Eugene Smith, 84, of Medina, Ohio, passed away peacefully the morning of Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He shared his last days and moments with his loving wife of 60 years, Jeanne Smith and three children, Jeff Smith, Kathy Warneke, and Krys Reiheld. Larry was born September 11, 1940, in Kansas City, Kansas, to the late Judson and Ellen (Seaman) Smith. He was a devoted husband and a loving father. He was also a brother, paper boy, Eagle Scout, Jay Hawk, NASA engineer and speaker, JC, Explorer Scout Leader, Christian, Methodist, Gideon, basketball coach and coordinator, climber, traveler, golfer, golfer- definitely a golfer, and good friend to all. He will be most remembered for his commitment to faith, family, NASA, and the Boy Scouts of America. Larry lived to support and serve others. He chose a career as a NASA civil servant, at Lewis Research Center in Cleveland (now Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field) working as a wind tunnel test engineer from 1963 to 1995. Larry met the love of his life soon after he moved to Cleveland and he and Jeanne Olivia Atkinson were married on a snowy day, December 19, 1964, settling down a few years later, in Medina, Ohio, which has become the town they've called home for 60 years. Larry loved his work for NASA, rising to the responsibility of a test lead in the 8 by 10 and 10 by 10 supersonic wind tunnels at the research center. He served 32 years with NASA, retiring, for the first time, in 1995, only to return to NASA as a supporting contractor for another decade, around the time NASA needed him to help return the Space Shuttle to flight, after the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia in February of 2007. Larry loved the outdoors, camping, traveling, and serving his family, friends, the community and youth programs. In 1976, he was named Man of the Year, by the Junior Chamber (JC's) for his exemplary service and dedication to his community. Larry also became an Explorer Scout leader of Troop 2501 and led many outings with the scouts, sharing his love for the outdoors and adventure with everyone he met. He was awarded the Silver Beaver award in 1999, the highest honor for a lifetime of dedication and service to youth and Scouting. Larry was also a man of steadfast faith. He was very active with the Medina United Methodist church, serving many years, organizing the monthly Men's Breakfast, and later in life, joining the Gideons where he shared The Word with those in need across Ohio. Anyone who knew Larry, knew his love for golf. He learned the game from his father and passed it on to his son. He organized golf leagues and outings. He volunteered at several golf clubs, enjoying every aspect of the game. Larry might not have been the best golfer on the course, but he surely was the most dedicated and outgoing player you could meet. There never was a day, or a course, or a hole or a putt he didn't enjoy, especially that hole-in-one, the score card showing its mark, he loved to share as he told its story. Larry is survived by Jeanne, his wife; David, his brother; his children, Jeff (Nicole Marinkovich) Smith, Kathy Warneke, and Krys (Bill) Reiheld; his grandchildren, Cody, Tristan, and Taylor; and so many extended family members, friends, and people whose lives he's touched, who will miss him dearly. Larry is preceded in death by his first son, Brian Patrick Smith; his parents; and his son-in-law, Brian Warneke. A dedication and memorial display will be open 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2025 in Waite Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, Ohio, for those who may wish to remember Larry in pictures and memorabilia and spend time with his family. A funeral service will be held for Larry at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2025 in Medina United Methodist Church, 4747 Foote Rd., Medina, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Gideons International, www.gideons.org, a cause Larry dedicated himself to serve for so much of his life. We find comfort in knowing that Larry's legacy lives on through all the guidance, support and lessons he has shared with so many, and the love, joy and experiences he shared with family and friends. His memory, we will cherish forever.