Mike Smith, an expert machinist at Solar Technologies and long-time Tulsa resident, died unexpectedly on February 7, 2024, at the age of 52.
Mike is survived by his mother, Judy Smith; his sister, Stephanie Phipps and her husband Rand; his brother, Grady Smith and his wife Debbie; and nephews Grady Lee Smith and his wife Kristin and Taylor Whiteside; aunts and uncles and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Stephen Smith; his grandmother, Bernice Allen; his grandfather, Harold Allen; his grandfather, Ira Lee Smith; his grandmother, Jessye Smith; and nephew, Ethan Smith.
Mike was born in Lawrence, Kansas on March 5, 1971, to Stephen and Judy Smith. He graduated from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville KS in 1989. Mike attended Emporia State University for 3 years and then began his career as a machinist. Mike married Kelli Voelzke in 1994 and then later divorced.
Who was Mike Smith? If you knew him well, or in many cases, were just an acquaintance, you know he was a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. You also know that he had a warm heart. He would do anything anytime for (almost) anyone without expectation. You would also know that he was a humble spirit. His quiet accomplishments during his life and career were without boastfulness or the need to take credit.
A more complete picture of Mike Smith must also include mention of his dry, sharp-witted sense of humor, his fun-loving nature (not all of which will be chronicled here), and his work, where he made lifelong friends and was a very humble chili cookoff champion. Final mention must definitely be made of what are probably Mike’s favorite pursuits – music and sports. Mike had a broad range of music appreciation from Willie Nelson to Rage Against the Machine. He particularly enjoyed catching his favorites live and adding new acts to his library. Sometimes, while combining music trips with an annual pilgrimage to Colorado.
Likely without argument, Mike’s biggest love outside of family and friends was sports. He was a great source of knowledge on a number of sports-related subjects. He was an active fantasy sports participant with a good eye for talent. While managing to follow many sports and teams, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind who knew Mike that his beloved Kansas City Chiefs were the premier franchise on the planet. A walkthrough Mike’s house was a walk down Chief’s memorabilia lane and it was a rare occurrence when Mike was not wearing at least one piece of Chief’s gear. To miss a Chief’s game on radio, TV or in person was considered sacrilege. Interestingly, Mike claimed credit (through his lifetime of support) for the Chief’s recent success. This seems to reveal a chink in his humbleness armor – so what. Way to go Mike!
Services celebrating Mike’s life will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 1pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., in Coffeyville, Kansas. His family welcomes friends to stop in to share a fond memory or pay your respects on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 5-7pm also at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. Following services Mike will be cremated and will be laid to rest in his favorite spot in Colorado and in Fairview Cemetery near his family. To view services or to leave an online condolence or share a memory go to his obituary page by visiting www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com .
