Michael A. Smith, age 77, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away June 5, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 23, 1947, in Lafayette, Indiana, son of Martin and Marian Smith.
He grew up in Kokomo and was an outstanding three-sport high school athlete. The 1965 graduate earned football All State honors as a senior on a squad that was considered the best in Kokomo history.
As a student at Indiana State University, Michael played football and met the love of his life Judy A. Smith. They married December 27, 1969. After graduation, he earned his master’s in education from Ball State University while teaching world history at Kokomo High School.
Over the next 40 years he served the students of KHS teaching and coaching football, wrestling, and baseball. He was a mentor to many. Michael was named head baseball coach in 1982 and directed the program for 17 seasons. He led the ‘85 Kats to a single-class IHSAA state championship before guiding the ’88 Kats to a state runner-up finish. In 2011 he was inducted into the Howard County Hall of Fame. In his free time, he enjoyed hosting friends and family at Lake Manitou in Rochester, Indiana.
After retirement, he focused on spending time with his grandchildren, including cheering them on at countless sporting events. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews and lake family.
Michael was preceded in death by his father Martin L. Smith and mother Marian L. Smith, brothers Dan R. Smith and Christopher B. Smith and sister-in-law Susan Smith.
He is survived by his wife Judy A. Smith, and children Corbett (Camille) Smith and Leigh (Brian) Carpenter and sister-in-law Sharon Smith. He lives on through grandchildren Genevieve, Reid, Celia Smith and Gwendolyn Carpenter; nieces Katie (Jake) Aeschliman and Alika (Brett) Altmiller; nephews Nathan (Stephanie) and Joshua Smith; great nieces Haleigh, Jaicie, Reese and Lydia and great nephews Brody and Drake.
Mike was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, coach and friend. He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life event to honor Michael will be held July 10, 2025, from 4-7pm at The Experience, 1801 Country Club Drive, Kokomo. Friends, family, students and past ball players are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kokomo Schools Educational Foundation, re: Mike Smith Scholarship.