Kermit Michael "Mike" Smith

Kermit Michael (Mike) Smith - age 73 of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away Saturday morning April 20th, 2019 at his home. A visitation will be held from 2-3:00 p.m. followed by a 3:00 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO.

He was born in Kansas City, MO to Berry M. Smith and Ruth Jean (Hall) Smith, on April 2, 1946. After graduating from Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, KS, he went to the University of Arkansas for one year before serving in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1966 – 1970.

After serving, Mike began work as an Air Traffic Controller, serving in Alaska, Kansas, and Missouri. In 1981, he left the FAA after being fired by President Reagan for going on strike along with 80% of the workforce. He worked in various jobs until he met his wife, Constance (Connie), and they were married in 1982, in St. Charles, MO.

He attended Ottawa University and received his Bachelors Degree in 1991 with a major in Computer Information Systems after going to night school for six years. Mike rejoined the Federal Government and worked for the General Services Administration, Department of Defense and finally retiring in 2009 from the Department of Agriculture with a cumulative total of 34 years of service.

During this time, Mike was blessed to have a son, Ian McBride. Throughout his years, Mike was a loving and active father participating in Boy Scouts as an adult leader and mentoring all the boys in the troop. Mike and Ian loved to go camping; sharing stories and laughing at Mike’s jokes around the campfire. Ian was never without Pop in sports with Mike always cheering from the sidelines. The Smith family grew when Ian married Carissa in 2015. Mike embraced and loved her as the daughter he and Connie had always wanted. He especially loved her brownies and pancakes.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Mike was passionate about genealogy. He loved to assist others with looking up their family history. He computerized the Smith family genealogy with over 15,000 relatives in his database. He loved solving the mystery of “where did that ancestor come from” for family and many friends.

Mike was a member of the Cincinnati Society, Order of the Crown of Charlemagne, St. Andrews Society, Missouri Society Sons of the Revolution 1776, Sons of the American Revolution, Jamestown Society, General Society of Colonial Wars, Native Sons of Kansas City and the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Mike was an early riser and woke up smiling, fresh and exuberant for the adventure of the day. Life was a celebration from small gatherings of family and friends with the grill or smoker going to hosting large parties on the patio. He and Connie always had the best parties in the neighborhood and loved to share good food, good drink and good times. Mike was always wearing his shorts, sandals and T-Shirts even in the winter. He made a difference in the lives of those where knew him—always willing to lend a hand and help out. Doing small or not so small construction jobs was something that Mike enjoyed. He finished two basements of homes for his family and was always working on those “honey do” projects.

Grilling and smoking all types of meats was a hobby that Mike excelled in. He smoked whole pigs for numerous parties and gatherings. Attending smoking classes to further his knowledge and skill—he always smoked on Memorial Day making ribs, brisket and bacon explosions. Mike shared his passion and skill of smoking with his family.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Berry and Ruth Jean Smith. He is survived by his wife, Constance L. Smith (Owen); son, Ian M. Smith and daughter-in-law, Carissa E. Smith (Marsh) of Colorado Springs, CO. He leaves behind his brothers and sisters: Storm M. Smith; Susan McNeill (Stephen F. McNeill); Stephanie Sasek (Berwyn J. Sasek ); Kent A. Smith (Bridget K Smith); and Scott R. Smith. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews as well as cherished friends Bill Gann, Gary Tomas and Bill Dale.

The family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the caregivers of Crossroads Hospice. They provided Mike with continuous support and compassion allowing him to have lasting respect and dignity especially during his final weeks.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)