Michael L. Smith

Michael Louis Smith passed away April 24, 2025. He was a man of true strength and virtue, who passed away peacefully at home at the age of 82. He was a true Wyomingite.

Michael was born October 26, 1942 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His parents, Harry and Adele Smith, helped him learn what it meant to serve his people. His father fought in WWII and had to wait 3 years to meet his son. At the age of 10 years, Michael began helping his family run the Frontier Motel. He learned to care for the people who called this nation home, a sentiment he continued to dedicate his life to until his death. At the age of 13 years, Michael had his Bar Mitzvah, and in 1963, at the age of 20, Michael enlisted into the United States Air Force. He fought 6 years as a Flight Engineer, during the Vietnam War.

Michael left the military in 1967 to complete his education at the University of Wyoming, getting a Bachelors degree in Social Work. But the military never left his mind, as in 1970 he re-enlisted in Army National Guard. During his service, he used his degree to get his first job at the Welfare Office in Torrington, Wyoming. He later moved to Riverton he continued his job with Family Services, a job he took with pride as he helped many children and families for decades.

In 1978 he moved to the city that he would call home, Casper, Wyoming. He continued with Family Services as a supervisor. In 1979, Michael met his true love, Darleen Clingan, at the time she was struggling as a single mother of her 2 year old son Brian. But Michael had known from the moment he saw her that she was the one. In 1980, the pair married, and later Michael adopted his now son Brian. Mike and Darleen had 2 more children, Rebecca and Heather. He gave his family everything he could.

In 1992 Michael was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard. He continued to serve the community of Casper. He was a man of great compassion and selflessness, always putting others first before himself. Whenever people came over Michael would always provide food to his guests. When his time came he used his last words to tell his wife he loved her. He moved on surrounded by the love he felt and spread through his family, life, and legacy. He knew what it meant to be a good person.

In 2000, Michael welcomed his first granchild, then 8 more followed, all the center of Michael's heart. On December 31st, 2004 Michael retired from the State of Wyoming Family Services, his influence to the community was so impactful that his retirement made the newspaper. He took a parttime job in 2006 as a shuttle driver, a job that was his true calling to be able to visit with many people.He retired in 2018 with his wife Darleen spending time camping and traveling.

Mike was preceded in death by his brothers Dennis, parents Harry and Adele Smith, grandparents and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

Mike is survived by his wife, Darleen, children Brian(Nancy) Smith, Rebecca (Joshua) Johnson, and Heather (Tristan) McKinney. Grandchildren Sean Patrick, Christopher Howard, David Michael and Tristan Ryan Smith. Kailynn Adele and Declan James Johnson. Kalista Raye Gantt, Alison Frances, and Marcella Marie McKinney. His sister, Debra (Phillip) Klein and brother Robert, and many nephews and one niece, and his cousins Mona, Evelyn and Stephanie.

Services with military honors will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025 at Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery. Ron Benda will officiate.