Michael Gary Smith

Michael Gary Smith began his earthly journey on November 23^rd, 1968 when he was born to his loving parents Gary and Deanna Smith in Bountiful, Utah. It was a chilly afternoon when he entered this world, but it was a beautiful sunny day when he left us on August 15^th, 2023 to fulfill his eternal purpose. During his short time on Earth, Mike lived a life full of selflessness, service, and Christ-like love.

Along with his parents, he shared his childhood with his dear siblings, Lisa, Ryan, Kristen and Justin. Together they built memories to last a lifetime that were full of laughs, tears, and most importantly, love. His fondest memories came from his time in Farmington where he was able to enjoy his boyhood participating in various sports and playing around on Cobble Creek Road. During his teenage years, Mike became an Eagle Scout and an active participant in the Farmington 5^th and 2^nd wards which solidified his love for service and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He would later graduate from Davis High School in 1987.

When Mike was 19, he chose to serve a mission and was assigned to the Manchester, England mission where he would overcome hardships and deepen his love for his Savior. While serving in Manchester, Mike met a fellow missionary and his future eternal companion, LeEtta Ann West. After faithfully serving his Lord in Manchester, Mike returned to his family in Farmington where he began attending the University of Utah pursuing a degree in Political Science. During his time at the University of Utah, Mike’s love for the Utah Utes only deepened and he continued to support his beloved Utes throughout his life.

After his mission, Mike continued to exchange letters with LeEtta and the two began dating. It was the luckiest day of his life when he married LeEtta on August 10^th, 1991 in Bristol, England. Three days later, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan, Utah temple. Together they built a foundation for their family that was based on unconditional love. During their 32 years of marriage, Mike and LeEtta would welcome their four beautiful children, Josh, Alex, Hailey and Hanna, into the world. For all he accomplished in his life, Mike was most proud of his family and spent his entire life providing for and guiding them.

At a young age, Mike was moved by the actions of Atticus Finch in his favorite novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, and after earning his degree in Political Science he chose to attend law school at Indiana University. During his years at law school, Mike continued to support his growing family and worked towards accomplishing his goals. He would later graduate with his J.D. before accepting a job in Newburgh, Indiana. He would spend nineteen years there raising his children, developing meaningful friendships, and becoming a part of a loving community. Mike would hold many callings in the Newburgh Ward including serving as Bishop in which he served his ward with the utmost compassion and love.

In 2021, Mike and LeEtta relocated to Dallas, Texas where he again became a part of a loving community and served those around him. Mike was the happiest to spend time with his dear wife and their two dogs, Maybri and Drex, while they made Dallas their home. In Dallas, Mike had continued success in his field of work while developing many hobbies that he would share with his wife and children.

After a beautiful week surrounded by family in Utah, Mike unexpectedly became sick. Unfortunately for everyone who loved him, Mike would never recover. He passed away at the Davis Hospital in Layton surrounded by his loved ones and the spirit of his Lord, Jesus Christ.

Mike’s love, compassion, and dad jokes will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, LeEtta, and his surviving children: Josh (Kadyn) Smith, Alex (Drew) Sommer, Hailey (Zach Greder) Smith and Hanna Smith. He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren, Blakely West, Indiana Love, and Koa Joshua. We are thankful for the memories Mike gave us and the love he shared with us during his time on this Earth.

Friends and family are welcome to attend Mike’s visitation on Sunday, August 20th, 2023 between 6 and 8 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington. An additional visitation will be held between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 21st, 2023 at the Rock Church, 272 North Main Street, Farmington followed by the funeral services at 11 a.m. Mike will be buried near his father Gary in the Farmington City Cemetery.

Funeral services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary and Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes before the services and will be posted below.

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“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” - Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird

Words cannot fully describe the kind of father, son, husband and friend that Mike Smith was in life. He quietly taught us how to follow in the footsteps of our Savior.