Michael R. Smith

Michael R. (Mike) Smith, 73, passed away on November 21, 2019 in Topeka. Mike was born July 20, 1946 in Tucumcari, NM, and the family moved to Hutchinson, KS when he was a young child. He served in the Army from 1964-1967. He married Jeanette in 1975, and worked at Superior Boiler Works for over 25 years. They moved to Topeka, KS in 2007.

Mike was a welder by trade and a woodworker in his spare time. He could often be found in his shop making something to solve a problem around the house, making a nightstand when the item requested was a bookshelf (simply because he didn't feel like making a bookshelf), or creating a manifestation of something he saw in a dream. When not working in his shop, he also enjoyed "prepping", pulling the toes of his grandchildren, hilariously mishearing things, and laughing at his own jokes.

Mike is preceded in death by parents Mary Tipton Cellers and Lawrence Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jeanette (Kopper) Smith, 4 children, Wendy Richards (Brian), Jason Smith (Marcy), Jana Hildebrand (John), & Kim Burk (Jason), 14 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, brother Gary Tipton, and his impeccable sense of humor.

Celebration of life will be held at Cornerstone Community Church, 7620 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66615 on Tuesday, November 26th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to Second Chance Animal Refuge Society (S.C.A.R.S.).