Larry David Smith

Larry D. Smith “Berni”, 59, of New Buffalo, died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, December 27, 2009. Arrangements have been entrusted with the Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo.Larry was born October 12, 1950 in Michigan City, IN to Donald and Mary (Kunze) Smith. He graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1969. On June 29, 1974 in New Buffalo at St. John's UCC he married Debra Lynn Kliss. Larry was a local plumber since 1985 and President of Smith Plumbing, Inc of New Buffalo. He was a member and Past Worshipful Master (1998-1999) of the Three Oaks Masonic Lodge #239; Past President of St. John UCC Board; Past President of the New Buffalo Jaycee's; New Buffalo Little League Coach; Boy Scout Leader; Y Uncle for two boys in Three Oaks; Board of Directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southwest Michigan. Larry enjoyed golf, fishing, boating, gardening, animals, having fun, helping others, and always smiling. Most of all he loved his family and friends.Larry is survived by his wife Debra; his son Shane; brothers Donald (Judy) Smith of Three Oaks and Terry Smith of Goshen; and a special daughter Naomi Takahashi – who was a exchange student (1982-1983) from Japan through Youth for Understanding, 10 years later Larry and Debra traveled to Japan for her wedding; brother-in-law Edward Kliss of Union Pier; and numerous nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents-Donald and Mary, a brother-Gregory Smith (at birth), and a brother-in-law Ronald Kliss.A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, December 31, 1:00pm, at the Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo, with Pastor John Peterson officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Visitation is on Wednesday, December 30 from 2:00-8:00pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Three Oaks Masonic Lodge or to NAMI of Southwestern MI or to St. John United Church of Christ in New Buffalo. Friends wishing to leave a massage of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com