Larkin Isaiah Smith, 84, died at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Grand Brook Memory Care, Greenwood, Indiana. Larkin was born Nov. 25, 1941, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Carrol and Madalyn (Tipsword) Smith. He grew up in Altamont, Illinois, and married his high school sweetheart, Charlaine Kirchhoff, on Nov. 9, 1963, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Altamont.

Larkin proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard, working on ship engines. After their marriage, Larkin and Charlaine briefly lived in Virginia before returning to Altamont, where he owned and operated a service station. Following a serious car accident that forced him to sell the business, he recovered and moved his family to Indianapolis, where he built a long career as a diesel mechanic.

A talented and respected mechanic, Larkin worked with sprintcar and drag racing teams, including Bob Glidden's team, before moving into Indy car racing as a mechanic and pit crew member. He took great pride in his work and the racing community he was part of.

Larkin and Charlaine were devoted parents to their daughters, Julie and Jeen, and were active in their school community at Calvary Lutheran. They rarely missed a marching band, winter guard, football or basketball event. In later years, Larkin remained deeply involved in the lives of his eight grandchildren, faithfully attending their activities and cheering them on.

After retirement, he pursued his interests in gunsmithing and competitive shooting, traveling throughout Indiana and neighboring states. A devoted husband, he lovingly cared for Charlaine during her illness until her passing in 2007. In the years that followed, Larkin found enjoyment on the water, purchasing a sailboat and spending many peaceful hours sailing on Eagle Creek Reservoir.

Larkin will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather, a man who spoke his mind with honesty and humor, and someone whose outgoing nature made friends wherever he went.

He is survived by his children, Julie (Doug) Combs of Indianapolis and Jeen (Brad) Endris of Indianapolis; eight grandchildren, Hunter Combs, William (Samantha) Combs, Connor Combs, Nicholas (Sarah) Combs, August Endris, Harrison Combs, Charlotte Endris and Madelyn Endris; his brother, Stan Smith of Altamont, Illinois; sister-in-law Nancy Kirchhoff of Decatur, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlaine; his parents; his sisters, Betty Borries and Shirley Ferree; and an infant brother, Steve Smith.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn next to his beloved wife, Charlaine.

For those choosing to make a memorial contribution in Larkin's memory, the family has suggested those be offered to the Indiana Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, #17, Chicago, IL 60601.