Michael Hamilton Smith

Michael Hamilton Smith

Michael Hamilton Smith, also known as Mike or Mikey, died in Bartlesville on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Mike was a well-loved member of the community who touched the lives of many. He was 54.

Mike was born on June 1, 1967 in Oklahoma City and graduated from Bartlesville High School in 1986. After residing in group homes in Midwest City and Bartlesville, he lived independently for most of his adult years, thanks to the help of ARC and the support of family and friends. Mike loved being active around town, spending time at Hillcrest Country Club, Jane Phillips Hospital, Malone Motor Company and Patriot Motors, area fire stations, and Bartlesville Ambulance Service. He enjoyed attending local sporting events, usually gravitating toward the EMTs on duty. Mike proudly claimed membership in over a dozen area churches through the years, choosing to be baptized in each one he attended.

Mike's preferred mode of communication was the telephone, and he had memorized hundreds of phone numbers of friends, family, and acquaintances well before the age of speed dial. It was a known fact that once you shared your phone number with Mike, he remembered it for life. Visiting on the phone was always one of Mike's favorite hobbies. He also frequently made it a point to tell ladies he encountered that they were "so pretty". (Note: He always meant it.)

The Bartlesville community lovingly and generously embraced Mike throughout his life, giving him rides around town, inviting him to family gatherings, taking him to football and basketball games, and welcoming him into their lives. Mike especially treasured his close friendships with area fire fighters, EMTs, police officers, and other first responders, who made him one of their own. In 2004, Michael was named Honorary Fire Chief of Oklahoma, a title he was very proud of.

Mike is survived by his parents, Dr. William D. Smith and his wife, Pat of Bartlesville, and Gerre Schwert and her husband, Doug of Owasso; brother, Douglas Smith of Tulsa; sisters, Ree Drummond of Pawhuska and her husband, Ladd, and Betsy Smith of Seattle; as well as loving aunts, an uncle, cousins, nieces, nephews, and step-siblings.

Mike's family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff and administration of Bartlesville Assisted Living for their devoted care of Michael.

Finally, the family would like to express their immense gratitude for the care, encouragement and abundant love the community of Bartlesville has extended to Mike through the years. It made his life wonderful and full, and there's no other place he ever wanted to live.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held at Bartlesville First Church, 4715 Price Road on Tuesday, November 9, at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, Mike's family requests contributions be made to:

Michael Smith Fund for Paramedic,

EMT, and Firefighter Education:

Tri-County Tech Foundation

6101 Nowata Road

Bartlesville, OK 74006

www.tctcgiving.org