Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries..... Smith, Lawrence J. November 28 2004
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
K T bluewolf@onemain.com December 8, 2004, 4:47 pm

The Tehachapi News 
Lawrence J. Smith

June 9, 1929 – Nov. 28, 2004

Lary Smith (Lawrence J. Smith), 75, passed away surrounded by his family in 
his home on Nov. 28. He was born on June 9, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pa. to 
Albert and Catherine Smith.

Lary was married to Delores A. Salladay on July 13, 1952 in what he describes 
as the greatest stroke of fortune in his life. Lary and Delores were married 
52 years and have lived in Tehachapi since 1977.

Lary enlisted in the United States Air Force in October 1948 and was 
commissioned as an officer upon graduation from USAF pilot training in 
February 1951. 

During his military career, he flew combat missions in Korea and Vietnam. He 
amassed more than 7,000 hours of flying time, primarily in B-29, B-47 and C-
130 aircraft. His military decorations include the distinguished Flying Cross 
and the Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters. 

He retired from active duty on Nov. 30, 1970 as a Lt. Colonel. His education, 
obtained while on active duty, included a BSEE from the University of Wyoming 
and a MSEE from the University of Southern California.

Upon retirement from the military, Lary worked as a civil service employee of 
the USAF until retirement at a GM- 15 level in November 1991. His civil 
service career was spent in the C-5 system program office and at Edwards Air 
Force Base. 

Post civil service work included employment at Allied Signal Technical 
Services and at AVTEL Services, Inc. in Mojave as vice president for 
government programs. 

At the time of his death, Lary was also an adjunct instructor for Embry-Riddle 
Aeronautical University, teaching math and science courses over the Internet.

Lary is survived by his wife Delores; daughter Cathy DePorto; sons Lawrence 
Jr. and wife Leah Aldridge, Robert and wife Tammy, Stephen, Mike and wife 
Marcia; and nine grandchildren, Tiffany, Christina and Phillip DePorto, 
Brenna, Ian, Skyler, Lauren, Bryan and Andy Smith. He is also survived by his 
sister’s family, Ed and Margaret Heebner and his wife’s family, Ellen Boyer, 
Robert and Mary Salladay, David and Janice Salladay.

Rosary services and funeral Mass were held at St. Malachy Church. Interment 
followed at Tehachapi Public Cemetery, West Side. 

Wood Family Funeral Services handled the arrangements. 

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the City of Hope in Duarte, (626) 
256-HOPE.


Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to the deceased.

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