W. Michael Smith, 72, a resident of Plymouth, passed away at his residence on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 10 a.m. following a lengthy illness.
Mike was born in LaPorte, Indiana on February 22, 1940, the son of Walter M. and Mildred Ruth (Nash) Smith. He attended Urey High School. From there he entered the United States Air Force as a communications specialist.
Following his honorary discharge in 1966, Mike went to work for General Telephone in Hobart, Indiana as a lineman. He retired from United Telephone’s Plymouth office in 2005 as a central office supervisor.
His entire life he has loved electronics and used his talents to create and perfect items such as the big screen TV that he built in the 1980’s well before they went on the market. He attained his private pilot’s license and then built his very own gyrocopter. Mike loved his family, watching old movies and the Sci-Fi Channel along with the Bears and Colts games. His interests in travel especially Hawaii took him to nearly every State in the Union. He and his late wife Anna were especially fond of Cumberland Lake in Kentucky.
On September 10, 1960, in Walkerton, he was first married to the former Judith K. Norton. He then married Anna B. Hayes on January 27, 1996 in Russell Springs, Kentucky. Anna proceeded in death on November 12, 2010.
Mike is survived by his children and families: Gerald M. and wife Ginger Smith of Peru, Indiana and their children; Ben, Lauren, Jarid and Joel. David A. Smith of Bloomington, Indiana. Ann M. and husband Jeffery Babcock of Plymouth and their children; L.Cpl. Cameron Babcock, USMC (dec’d), Abigail, Hope, Samuel and Kailey (Mrs. Kenneth) Bandimere with great-grandson Kaleb. Three sisters and a brother include: Grace (Mrs. Richard) Noone of Walkerton, Sherrill (Mrs. Richard) Kickbush of Branson, Missouri, Ann (Mrs. Jim) Miller of Walkerton, and Jimmy (Diane) Wood of Eau Claire, Michigan.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 18th from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St. Plymouth. Services will be held in the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 19th with visitation one hour prior to services. The Reverends John Branch and Ed Friberg will officiate.
Burial with Military Honors provided by members of the Plymouth American Legion Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Marshall County Post 1162 and the D.A.V. will be in the New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Center For Hospice Care – Marshall Co., 112 S. Center St., Plymouth, IN 46563.
Jeanie Martin says
Rest in Peace Mike.
David Morgan says
Mike & I worked in Netwok Maintenance for many years. Mike was a very good person and will be missed by many
Walt VanDePutte says
I came to know Mike from meeting him at work in the Plymouth CO many years ago. Right away he struck me as a kind and generous person. Always a smile and a good word. I wish I could have had the opportunity to know him better. I am very sorry to hear of his death. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
With sincere heartfelt condolences,
Benjamin R Boys says
My warmest condolences to you David and Anne… I\’m very sorry you lost your dad… after such a long suffering, I pray he is truly at peace…
I have very good memories of his presence in your home years ago… I believe he has at last, truly returned home.
many blessings and peace to you,
Ben Boys
Millie Kaser says
Sorry to hear of Mike\’s passing. I worked with him for several years. He was always such a gentleman. I\’m sorry I didn\’t get this in time to come to his viewing. Please pass my condolences on to all your family.
Gerald & Ginger Smith says
The time has come to a end, people have gone home. We sit and listen to the quite love that still fills the room.
We will miss you deeply and think of you often. We were glad to beable to say we love you.
We were glad to be by your side these last couple days.
The biggest thing we rejoice in is that your with the Lord, family and your love Anna B
Love you and see you in heaven.
David Gildner says
I am so sorry for your loss. You guys were my family. I am thinking about you at this time. My deepest condolences.
David Gildner says
Sorry about your loss. You guys are my family and always will be. You are in my heart at this time. Just remember the good times and it will bring joy to your heart. I love you guys.
Marc Eads says
Thoughts and prayers to the Smith family. A very interesting and talented man has left you. Have faith that he is looking over you and his loved ones now.
Jeanie Martin says
Rest in Peace Mike.
David Morgan says
Mike & I worked in Netwok Maintenance for many years. Mike was a very good person and will be missed by many
Walt VanDePutte says
I came to know Mike from meeting him at work in the Plymouth CO many years ago. Right away he struck me as a kind and generous person. Always a smile and a good word. I wish I could have had the opportunity to know him better. I am very sorry to hear of his death. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
With sincere heartfelt condolences,
Benjamin R Boys says
My warmest condolences to you David and Anne… I\’m very sorry you lost your dad… after such a long suffering, I pray he is truly at peace…
I have very good memories of his presence in your home years ago… I believe he has at last, truly returned home.
many blessings and peace to you,
Ben Boys
Millie Kaser says
Sorry to hear of Mike\’s passing. I worked with him for several years. He was always such a gentleman. I\’m sorry I didn\’t get this in time to come to his viewing. Please pass my condolences on to all your family.
Gerald & Ginger Smith says
The time has come to a end, people have gone home. We sit and listen to the quite love that still fills the room.
We will miss you deeply and think of you often. We were glad to beable to say we love you.
We were glad to be by your side these last couple days.
The biggest thing we rejoice in is that your with the Lord, family and your love Anna B
Love you and see you in heaven.
David Gildner says
I am so sorry for your loss. You guys were my family. I am thinking about you at this time. My deepest condolences.
David Gildner says
Sorry about your loss. You guys are my family and always will be. You are in my heart at this time. Just remember the good times and it will bring joy to your heart. I love you guys.
Marc Eads says
Thoughts and prayers to the Smith family. A very interesting and talented man has left you. Have faith that he is looking over you and his loved ones now.