Luther Laverne Smith was born on Aug. 4, 1933 and passed away at the age of 86.
He was born in DeQuincy, the eldest child of Luther Hyatt Smith and Georgia Leola Smith who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife; five children; five grandchildren; three siblings; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Laverne attended DeQuincy Elementary school and graduated from DeQuincy High School in 1951. He went on to further his education at LSU, where he earned a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1956 and was a part of the ROTC program.
In the early ‘60s, after serving his country in the US Army, Laverne moved to California where he had a long career in the aerospace industry working on projects that greatly contributed to the national security and defense of the US. He was a patriot, highly intelligent, and well respected by his colleagues.
Outside of work his hobbies included boating, camping, snow skiing, coaching soccer and being with friends and family. He remained a proud LSU alum, always keeping close tabs on Tigers’ football, and often could be found sporting LSU gear of some kind. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home. There will be a procession to Perkins Cemetery for a 2 p.m. graveside service.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
