Date of Service:
September 11, 2021
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
America said goodbye to one of its longtime protectors last week. Larry S. Smetzer, a resident of Sebastian, Florida, since 1987, and Vietnam War veteran, passed away on September 3, 2021, following a brief illness.
He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force. Larry served the law enforcement community for 43 years, retiring from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office in 2016. He had worked as a Detective and always worked hard to solve cases to help bring closure to many families. While working with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, he formed the first Economic Crimes Unit. Larry had previously been a member of the City of Marietta, Georgia, Police Department for 13 years, serving on the Department’s first SWAT Team and as a Detective. After leaving Marietta Police Department, he was employed by The Limited Group as a loss prevention investigator.
Larry Smetzer was born in Elkhart, Indiana, to Ralph Ira Smetzer and Naldine Smetzer, both of whom preceded him in death. Larry was a graduate of Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was also preceded in death by a niece, Christine Smetzer, of St. Louis, Missouri.
Larry Smetzer is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bonnie Smetzer, of Sebastian, Florida, his brother Mike Smetzer of Sebastian, two sons, Robert Evanega, of Hickory, North Carolina, and Brian and Maddison Smetzer, Rice, Texas; granddaughters Amanda and Jesse Whitley of Belmont, NC and Scarlett Smetzer of Rice, Texas; a grandson Alex Evanega of North Carolina and five great grandchildren.
A gathering will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021, beginning at 10 a.m. with a celebration of life service following at Noon at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.
In lieu of flowers, donations made be made in Larry Smetzer’s honor to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department, to benefit the Canine Unit. For website donations: https://ircsheriff.org/donations follow the link to the donation page where one of the options is K9. You may also mail a donation; make check payable to IRCSO and put “K9 Fund” in the memo line of the check. Please mail checks to: Indian River County Sheriff’s Department, 4055 41st Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Jera - Friend/Co Worker
September 8, 2021, 5:43 pm
So sorry for your loss Bonnie. I absolutely enjoyed every moment that I worked with Smetzer.
Mary Hatfield - Friend
September 8, 2021, 6:08 pm
Larry was a wonderful man. My sincere condolences to the entire Smetzer family.
Stephen Goss - Keeper of peace
September 8, 2021, 6:45 pm
I did not know Larry but I also am a retiree of the City Of Marietta Police Department after almost 30 years! Once a brother in blue always a brother in blue. Thoughts and prayers to his family from my family. God bless!
Stephanie DeAquair - Friend
September 8, 2021, 6:54 pm
Larry is one of the most amazing human beings I had the pleasure of knowing and working with for many years. I’m very sorry for your loss, Bonnie.
Jason Bourdette - Friend
September 8, 2021, 7:01 pm
Larry was a great man, we worked together for many years he was an inspiration to many. My prayers and condolences to his family. I know Larry will be chasing that big bass in heaven, rest easy brother never forgotten…
John Lenker - friend
September 8, 2021, 8:20 pm
Some of my fondest memories of high school involve Larry. He was constantly present in our activities, always engaging with our close-knit group of friends, and even taking me into his home for an extended period one summer. The Smetzers always treated me like family. A big loss for us and a huge loss for my friend Brian and his little family. My sincerest condolences.
Nikki Robinson - Coworker
September 8, 2021, 10:28 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this news. As a prosecutor, I worked with Larry on several cases. He was always one of my favorite detectives. So kind and patient. My condolences to the entire Smetzer family.
Captain Troy Callihan - Best Friend
September 8, 2021, 11:06 pm
Bonnie and Brian, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family! My heart is broken! Larry was one of my best friends for 48 years! I’m proud to call him my brother in Blue! Captain Troy Callihan, Marietta Police, retired
Kimberly Dean - Friend/Co-worker
September 9, 2021, 12:17 am
I worked with Larry for many years at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. He was an incredible gentleman , co-worker and friend. Larry was honest, loyal, kind, dedicated and funny. Larry was so funny and made so many of us smile daily. My fondest memories of Larry was when we worked together in investigations many years ago. He was truly one of a kind and a class act. Larry was deeply loved and admired. I will miss you Smetzer. R.I.P.
Judge Robert B. Meadows - Friend
September 9, 2021, 11:32 am
I went to the Police Academy with Larry and worked many cases with him at the Sheriff’s Office. Larry is a true protector, a kind sole and truly a great friend to all that knew him. That smile will be missed.
Richard Tucker - Former Cobb County Police Officer and DEA Special Agent
September 9, 2021, 12:43 pm
My condolences to Bonnie and Larry’s family. His was a life well lived with service to others . May he Rest In Peace .
Becky Callihan - Friend
September 9, 2021, 12:53 pm
Bonnie, My heart sank when I heard about Larry. What a Wonderful man. What a Smile, Wit and Personality. Someone so Special can never be forgotten. May God hold you and your family close.
Jim Martin - Assistant District Attorney, Cobb Judicial Circuit, 1978 - 1987; Assistant United States Attorney, 1987 - 2011
September 9, 2021, 1:52 pm
Bonnie and family, May God grant you peace in your time of mourning and bring a smile to your face when you remember one of those times when Larry filled your life with joy. I knew Larry as a Marietta Police officer. He was always a professional and served the Marietta community well. Larry, may you rest in peace.
Bill Brunner - Friend
September 9, 2021, 2:40 pm
Jill and I were very sorry to hear about Larry. My heart sank. What a great guy he was. He was a person you felt comfortable with from the moment you met him. We worked together for many years at the Sheriff’s Office. He was a fantastic law enforcement officer who loved his job and truly cared about people. I can’t recall a time I ever saw him in a bad mood. He was usually very jovial unless he was trying to solve a case. During those times, he was a real thinker throwing all kinds of possibilities out. He took his work seriously and it paid off. We always had a good time during work hours and even after work hours. Bonnie, Jill and I wish you and your family the best. Larry is in a good place. Memories will keep him close. God Bless.
Billy and Beverly Gorman - Friends/Co-workers Marietta PD
September 10, 2021, 12:59 am
Our sincere condolences to the Smetzer family. We were so sorry to hear the news of Larry’s passing. We both worked with Larry at Marietta PD. He was always a kind and patient man with a great smile. Thoughts and prayers are with this family now and in the days ahead. Rest In Peace Detective Smetzer.
Steve Wigington - Friend
September 10, 2021, 1:01 pm
Larry was not only a great guy but an outstanding police officer. I learned a lot from him when we rode together on the midnight shift and as we served together on the SWAT team. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. May God grant you peace and comfort during this time. Steve Wigington Deputy Chief (ret.). Marietta Police Department
Debra and Helmut Roetzer - Friend and neighbor
September 10, 2021, 4:13 pm
One of the best neighbors we’ve ever known. Larry was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer advice. It’s been a comfort knowing he lived just a few homes away for the past 11 years. Our condolences and prayers to you, Bonnie and your family.
Sharon Daggett - Friend
September 10, 2021, 4:55 pm
Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I have thought of you both often, and regret not picking up the phone and calling. Please know my sincere thoughts are with you, Brian, and Robert during this difficult time.
Patricia Radford - Courthouse/co-worker
September 13, 2021, 11:29 am
My sincere condolences to Larry’s family. Larry was a kind and polite man and always very pleasant to work with.