Micah Smith

Micah Lawrence James Smith, age 34, of Gardner, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on November 19, 2025. He was born on September 1, 1991, in Ottawa, Kansas, the younger of twins by one minute to his sister Cassie, something she never let him forget. Known within his family as "Only One Micah," he carried a presence that left an imprint everywhere he went.

Micah attended Crest High School, graduating with the class of 2010, and later studied Business at Fort Hays State University, where many of his favorite "Hays Days" memories were made and where he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Professionally, he worked as a Revenue Cycle Architect, approaching his work with the same dedication, reliability, and relentless effort that defined him in every part of life. He was widely regarded as one of the hardest-working men anyone knew, gifted with a natural intelligence that made him the person people turned to first, whether they needed an answer, an explanation, or just a good laugh. His brother Adam fondly called him a "Human Thesaurus," and many described him as eloquent, creative, and profoundly thoughtful. He had a laugh that was contagious, a smile that could pull anyone out of a dark moment, and a sense of humor that never failed to lift a room. His hugs were legendary, big, genuine, and unforgettable. Everyone knew that when Micah walked toward you, a hug was coming. He felt deeply for others, gave grace easily, took no offense, and never held a grudge. Even when social cues slipped past him, his charm, sincerity, and "awkwardly lovable" nature made him cherished by all.

Raised in the country near Lone Elm on 500 Road, Micah loved nature from a young age. As a boy, he spent hours talking to a favorite tree in the yard, forming a quiet connection to the world around him. That same appreciation for the earth followed him into adulthood. He had a green thumb and took pride in nurturing anything he grew, always sharing the fruits of his efforts with the people he loved. He believed deeply in the magic of his hometown of Lone Elm, seeing it as a place where growth, connection, and community lived.

Micah's family was especially surprised when he decided to go out for football. Concerned that he lacked a bit of grace, they worried how he would fare, but during his very first game, the community was stunned at how many tackles he made. He went on to play in the Shrine Bowl and All Star games, and his family, especially his father Jesse, took immense pride in watching him excel in a sport he loved, and manage to stay on his feet.

Jesse took Micah, Cassie, and their older sister Elizabeth into his life as his own, not just by choice but by calling. He wanted to be their father no matter the obstacle, and his bond with Micah was uniquely strong. He often said that Jesse taught him how to connect with people, a gift that became one of the defining traits of his life. Micah also loved capturing life in video form, a passion he inherited from his mother, Lauren. It brought him joy and allowed him to preserve the moments he cherished most for himself and for those he loved.

Micah also shared a special bond with his late stepmother, Sharon, who lovingly took him under her wing after the passing of his mother, Lauren. She stepped into his life with steady compassion, offering comfort, guidance, and a presence that felt safe during a time of deep loss. Their connection grew into something uniquely meaningful to both of them, a relationship built not by circumstance alone, but by genuine care, understanding, and the quiet way they chose to show up for one another. Sharon became an anchor in Micah's life, and he held their bond close to his heart.

Micah was deeply connected to his family and friends. His best friend Jesse described him as "Pooh Bear" due to his bumbling personality, immense love and loyalty for his friends and family, and his continuous need to further explore and educate himself about the world. The energy Micah brought to this world has impacted so many, and that energy will continue to flow through us, his beloved children, friends and family for the rest of our lives. Micah was always about living in the moment, so when you stop to take on the beauty of the world, share the moment with him. His friend Nick admired him as a true student of the world, curious, wise beyond his years, fascinated by the past, and fully present in the beauty of everyday moments. His friend Tyson described him as loving, spontaneous, the "human google", and eccentric. There was never a dull moment when he was around. He loved with all his whole heart and gave the best hugs. Kristen, a close friend would describe him simply just as, "A dang good person."

Micah's siblings recall countless memories, watching Chiefs games with his brother Adam and Brad, sharing life's highs and lows with his sisters Cassie and Emily, and always being the one others sought for guidance. Emily describes him as profoundly intelligent, thoughtful, and blessed with an infectious laugh; Cassie remembers him as her other half, inseparable from the moment they were born. Whenever Cassie felt a need to share what she felt was important, funny, or really anything, it was always shared with Micah first. It was his input and opinion that she treasured and sought out most in any situation.

Above all else, Micah's heart belonged to his two children, Scarlett, age 8, and Rowan, age 5. They were the center of his world, the focus of every decision, and the reason behind the warmth that filled his home. His apartment was decorated entirely for them, and you would think they were the only ones who lived there. He adored them with a depth that shaped every part of who he was.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Lauren (Lavy) Smith and sister Elizabeth Smith, whom he loved dearly.

Micah is survived by his two children, Scarlett and Rowan; his father Jesse and wife Jerri Smith; his siblings, Cassie and husband Gerald Morrison, Adam Smith, Brad and wife Sarah Smith, and Emily Smith; Best Friends, Jesse, Sydnie, Jordan, Nick, and Tyson; Micah will also be missed greatly by his nieces, nephews, as well as many extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Micah's Life will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 10:00 A.M., at the Colony Christian Church, in Colony, Kansas 211 Catalpa Street, Colony, Kansas 66015.

In honor of Micah's lifelong passion for growing things, his family shares that while flowers are welcome, plants are preferred. Nurturing something living, watching it grow, and sharing its beauty was something he loved, and they hope others will continue that tradition in his memory.

Memorial Contributions in Micah's honor may be made to Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, with Micah's name as the memo. These contributions will go towards the cost of services, and supporting his children, and be left in the Care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.