Larry D. Smiley

Larry Dean Smiley of Limon, Colorado passed away in the early morning hours of October 26, 2023, at the age of 80. Larry was born in Limon, Colorado on July 29, 1943. The youngest of seven children born to Floyd Gilbert Smiley and Juanita Maude (Woodruff) Smiley, Larry spent his formative years in his hometown of Limon. He attended all levels of education in Limon’s school district, graduating from Limon High School in 1962. Larry went on to earn an associate degree in La Junta, Colorado in 1964. That same year, Larry married his high school sweetheart Patricia Irish in Denver. The two moved to Larry’s family farm and ranch near Limon, where Larry worked as a rancher throughout the rest of his life.

Larry is survived by his daughter Danette Jackson and her husband Sean Jackson of Bayfield, Colorado; son Brent Smiley and his wife Michele Smiley of Elkhorn, Wisconsin; and sister Joyce Koehn of Limon, Colorado. Larry is also survived by his three grandchildren, Chandler Jackson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Jamie Smiley of Elkhorn, Wisconsin; and Collin Jackson of Austin, Texas, as well as many nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his father Floyd Gilbert Smiley, mother Juanita Maude (Woodruff) Smiley, wife Patricia (Irish) Smiley, sister Ella Mae, and brothers Lloyd, Max, Robert, and Dewane, in addition to many faithful canine companions.

Larry was an avid car enthusiast and collector, and a keen player of Texas Holdem. He enjoyed meeting with friends for morning coffee and conversation, and he loved to spend time outside working with animals. Larry was generous with his time and assistance, whether that be spending time with his family or paying for strangers’ meals to brighten their day. Larry passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, and with his dog by his side.

A funeral service will be held for Larry at 10:00 am on October 31, at Limon Methodist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Denver Children’s Hospital Oncology Department, in care of the First National Bank of Hugo Limon, PO box 1270 Limon CO, 80828.