Larry D. Smethers

On August 10, 2025, Larry Dale Smethers passed away peacefully in Tulare, California. He was born on June 19, 1933, in the family home in Dennis, Texas, to Lester “Bud” and Ruby Smethers. In 1944 his sister Linda was born and completed their family.

            They came to California in 1946 and settled in Porterville. In early 1951 he met Arleta Tolson at a church function. They were married May 25, 1951 in Delano, California. Larry held various jobs during those first few years of marriage; picking cotton, construction and welding. During the first years of marriage they welcomed three children; Kathy, Dennis and Brenda.

            In 1956 the family moved to Ventura, California and Larry began his career with the U.S. Postal Service. In 1960 he did a lateral transfer and the family moved to Visalia. In 1962 they bought their first house which turned out to be their forever home. The same year they welcomed daughter Gayla, and that completed their family.

            Larry retired in 1990 after 34 years of service with the Postal Service. After retirement Larry kept busy with various part-time jobs and golfing with other retirees. Larry and Arleta enjoyed and spent time with the family at Hume Lake. Larry and Arleta loved spending time with their children and grandchildren.

            In 2006, Larry lost his beloved wife Arleta. He missed Arleta every day. He wore his wedding ring until the very end and still considered himself married.

            Larry spent the last one and a half years in a nursing home where he made many friends and was loved by the staff.

            Larry was preceded in death by his wife Arleta, parents Bud and Ruby Smethers, sister Linda Fuller and grandson Jeff O’Neal.

            Larry is survived by his children and their spouses; Kathy and Steve O’Neal of Exeter, Dennis and Evelyn Smethers of Visalia, Brenda and Randy Kasdorf of Visalia, and Gayla Bly of Visalia. Larry also leaves to cherish his memories eight grandchildren; Randal Kasdorf, Amy Fritts, Matthew Kasdorf, Stacey Lewis, Derek Smethers, Shauna Cox, Ryan Cox and Shane Bly. He also leaves 20 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren with another due next year.

            Larry loved the Lord and was ready to join Arleta in Heaven.

            Visitation for Larry will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Smith Family Chapel, Exeter from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Directly following visitation will be a funeral service at 1:00 P.M. at Smith Family Chapel. Interment at the Exeter District Cemetery at 2:00 P.M.

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