Larry A. Small, 76, of North Platte passed away May 7, 2023 at Gothenburg Memorial Health Hospital. He was born June 24, 1946 to Floyd and Emma (Gerkin) Small in North Platte.
Larry was raised in North Platte and then drafted into the U.S. Navy. He served in the Vietnam War before hiring on to the Union Pacific Railroad for over 30 years, where he retired as a machinist in 2006. He met Donna Forrey on a race weekend at Kearney Raceway Park. They were married in 1981 and to this union one son was born, Dustin Small, in 1985. Larry also deeply loved his canine sons Jeffer, Rusty, Buddy, and JJ. Larry lived to go fast; his passion was race cars. He could always be found in his garage tinkering with engines, transmissions, carburetors, and anything else to find some extra speed for the coming race. Larry’s core group of family and friends were what was most important to him, he would give everything he had for those he loved. His fondest memories were of sailing the world with his Navy buddies, bantering with his Railroad buddies, and loading up the race car and traveling all over the country with his closest friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Small, North Platte; son, Dustin Small, Lincoln; siblings, Patty Collins, North Platte; Linda Wilson, North Platte; nephew Brad Willard, Colorado; and other family members and friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Floyd and Emma Small; nephew Brian Willard.
Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be shared at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home www.adamsswanson.com .
Service will be held at 12:30, Monday, May 15th, 2023 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with burial following at 2:00 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska with Pastor Breen Sipes officiating. Casual dress is encouraged. Book signing will be from 9-5, Friday, May 12, 2023 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.