Larry Gene Smith

Larry Gene Smith, known to many simply as Gene, passed away on January 27, 2026, at The Shepheard's Center in Cimarron, Kansas. However, Gene transitioned to a nursing home a few weeks before his passing.

He was born on November 3, 1946, in Montezuma, Kansas, to Archie and Edna Smith; Gene dedicated a significant part of his life to farming in the Montezuma area.

His love for the outdoors was evident in his hobbies, which included hunting, shooting guns, fishing, snowmobiling, and riding motorcycles. Activities that allowed him to connect with nature and share meaningful time with family and friends.

Memories of Uncle Gene’s visits to his niece and nephew on the farm were many and will always hold a special place in their hearts. Gene had a great way of making you laugh. There were always interesting and lively conversations around the kitchen table with Uncle Gene. Gene’s wit could be very unexpected at times. He was always “quick on the draw” with funny stories and comebacks with family and friends that made everyone laugh and enjoy his presence. Gene was also a good teacher for young kids.

Gene was very talented in many ways that people didn’t know. He chose not to execute some of these talents sometimes. Music had always been an important part of the Smith family. He was very musically talented, playing guitar and steel guitar. He would gather with family, including his sister, Sharlene, who played the guitar too, his nephew, Bryce, playing guitar, and Kandis, his niece, singing, and other friends for jam sessions at Kim Unruh’s shed, a close cousin, from time to time. It was a lively and fun time for everyone who was there.

In his later years, Gene moved to Garden City upon retiring, where he relished the company of his companion, Joyce Miller. Their companionship brought him joy and fulfillment, and she preceded him in death.

Gene is survived by his nephew, Bryce Dirks, and wife Stacy, of Montezuma, Kansas; his niece, Kandis Crawford and husband Patrick, of Lindsborg, Kansas; step-children Jerry (Bugs) Miller, Kevin Miller, Teresa Miller, and Gary Miller; as well as numerous relatives and friends who cherished him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Edna (Friesen) Smith, his sister Sharlene (Dirks) Miller and his beloved companion Joyce Miller.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the Montezuma United Methodist Church, located at 100 N. Escalanta, Montezuma, KS 67867.

A graveside service will follow on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Morningside Cemetery, Montezuma, KS.

As we remember Larry Gene Smith, we celebrate a life characterized by kindness, dedication, and a strong connection to both family and nature. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.