Laren Wesley Smith

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on August 10, 2025, just 17 days shy of his 91st birthday. Laren was born on August 27, 1934, in Los Angeles, CA to Leonard W. Smith and Dorothea Anderson Smith. He grew up in Long Beach, CA. He attended Brigham Young University before serving a 2 1⁄2 year mission to Finland followed by two years serving his country in the U.S. Army in Texas.

He married Cherrell L. Thomas, and they were blessed with five wonderful children which he deeply loved: Doretta, Wendy, Jill, Bryce, and Eric. They were later divorced.

Laren graduated from the Los Angeles College of Mortuary Science and served as a mortician for 39 years. He moved to Utah in 1969. In 1993 he married Sharyl (Sherry) Sly Barney. They were later sealed in the Jordan River Temple. Laren was a loving stepfather to Sherry’s five children: Heidi, April, Laura, Jeff, and Julie. He loved them all and they dearly loved him as a second dad. They all said they couldn’t have asked for a sweeter or kinder stepfather who was always willing to help them with anything.

After retiring, Laren said one of his favorite jobs was being a school crossing guard for five years. He loved the children, and they loved him, often saying he was the best crossing guard they ever had. He cried when he had to give it up a year and a half ago because of his health.

Laren served faithfully in many and various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. He referred to his serving 13 years in the Draper temple two days a week as an ordinance worker as “the frosting on the cake”. He loved doing genealogical research and submitting names for temple work. He performed temple ordinances for over 3,000 individuals, many of whom have probably already hugged him to thank him.

Laren is preceded in death by his parents. His survivors include his loving eternal companion Sherry; his daughters Doretta Smith (Bob), Wendy Crowther (Bill), Jill Forbes (Steven); his sons Bryce Smith (Michelle), Eric Smith (Jenifer); stepchildren Heidi Harrison, April Flowers, Laura Sorge (Larry), Jeff Barney, Julie Hays (Brian); brother and sister in law Scott and Geniel Sly; 21 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren (plus four more on the way); and his beloved dog Reesey.

Laren loved his family, camping, reading, traveling around the world, cruising, and working to keep his yard beautiful. He had a great love for all children. He also loved all animals, especially his pets Cassie Mae, Katie, Cosmo Jo, and Lee Lee.

A special thank you to his Rocky Mountain Palliative nurse Liz and hospice nurse Stephanie Gammel.

Till we meet again dearest Laren. We all love you and we will sorely miss you!!

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2080 E Pinecrest Ln (11530 S), Sandy, UT 84092. A viewing will be held at the same location that morning from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. Interment will follow the services at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah.