Lawrence Sanford Smith was born to Frank and Roenia (Bushong) Smith on January 18, 1908 in Brixey, MO and passed away on September 2, 2008 in Gainesville, MO at the age of 100. He was born the youngest of five children. When Lawrence was nine years old, his parents moved into the house where they would live and raise their family. Lawrence received his education at Upper Brixey School through the eighth grade, at which time he began working at a sawmill on Bryant Creek.

Lawrence met Ava Parsons through a church function and they went on to marry in February 1928. They built a small home on the family farm and lived there for a number of years. There came a time, following the death of Lawrence's mother, that there was a need for Lawrence and Ava to move to his parent's home to help care for his dad. That is where Lawrence and Ava lived until they went into the nursing home in approximately 1997.

Lawrence and Ava farmed with little modern equipment. They owned and operated their own sawmill where they worked side-by-side. The work on a farm was an ongoing project. The gardening, canning, weeding, and haying was everyday life for them. Lawrence respected nature and was knowledgeable about the different species that existed of trees, grasses, and birds.

In 1952 Lawrence and Ava became an important part of their niece, Ida Jane's life. Ida stayed with them on different occasions throughout her adolescence and was welcomed to do so.

In 1955, the direction of their life changed. Following the deaths of Ava's brother and sister-in-law, two of their children, Ronnie and Gayle, went to live on the Brixey farm with Lawrence and Ava. To be faced with full-time parenthood at the age of 48, there were adjustments to make, but they raised Ronnie, Gayle, and Ida in a Christian home. Lawrence guided them with quiet strength. He was honored to be "Uncie" to them.

Following the growth of their family, Lawrence went to work at Rainbow Trout Ranch at Rockbridge, MO. He worked in the fish hatchery for the next 17 years. He was able to provide an income for his family and was also able to enjoy outdoor life.

Lawrence had a deep love for the Lord. He raised his family with God as the center of his life. He was a humble loving man, who was meek in life, but incredibly strong in his faith. He and Ava shared a love for each other that was apparent. It wasn't difficult to love Lawrence, as his life was full of friends that he touched, always with a kind word and quick smile.

Funeral services will be Friday, September 5, 2008, 1:00 PM at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO with Bernie Crum officiating. Interment will follow in the Bushong Cemetery, Brixey, MO. Visitation will be Thursday evening 5:00 til 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.