Lawrence R. Smith

Lawrence Raymond Smith, age 99, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025. Cremation is planned, with a private internment to be held in the Spring of 2025 at Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Collins, CO.

Born in Galesburg, Illinois, 1925, Lawrence was the youngest son of Lester and Anna Smith. He married Marcia A. Parteli on December 19, 1947, in the Chapel of the Chimes in Piedmont, California. They lived in San Lorenzo, CA, before moving to Boulder, CO, and later to Fort Collins, CO in 1991. Upon relocating to Colorado, Lawrence worked at Coors Brewery in Golden, CO, before becoming a Press Operator at Rockwell International at the Rocky Flats Plant northwest of Denver, where he remained employed until his retirement.

A proud World War II veteran, Lawrence served in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAF) and Eighth Air Force 489th Bombardment Group from 1944 until his honorable discharge in 1946. During his military service he was awarded several medals; the World War II Victory, the Efficiency Honor, the American Campaign Medals, as well as the American Theatre Ribbon. In addition to his military service, he was an accomplished woodworker, designing, creating, and repairing furniture for friends and family over the years. He and Marcia shared a passion for travel, exploring both domestic as well as international destinations.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marcia, with whom he shared 71 years of marriage. He is survived by his three children: eldest son Raymond (Julie) Smith of Pacific City, OR; daughter Roxana (Gordon) Phelps of Walsenburg, CO; and, youngest son Robin (Vicki) Smith of Estes Park, CO. Lawrence is also survived by seven grandchildren: Lindsay Bellus, Lauren Levy, Ryan Phelps, Robyn Phelps, Rachel Simpson, Britni Smith, and Bart Smith, as well as 11 great-grandchildren.