Steven Michael Smith

Officer Steven Michael Smith #1386, of Pataskala, Ohio passed away April 12, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was 54 years old. Steven Smith, affectionately known to his family as Mike, was a 27 year veteran of the Columbus Police Department, most recently as a SWAT officer and member of the dive team. Regretfully, Mike was killed in the line of duty. He was an exemplary officer, and there are countless stories of those whose lives were impacted by his career, both fellow officers, and members of the community. Mike genuinely loved his work, and truly believed in what he did. While his public service career is obviously noteworthy, his roles of husband, father and friend were also so very important in his life. Mike and his wife Lisa have been married for 32 years, though if you saw them together you would quickly realize it did not appear they had ever left the honeymoon phase. In addition to his wife Lisa, Steve is survived by his daughter Brittany Smith (Jake Krajewski) son Jesse (Sydney) Smith; mother-in-law, Dolores Spaulding; his siblings Christine (Ted) Wolf, Michelle (Butch) Shapiro, Patty (Steff) Anderson, Teresa (Jimmy) Tyree and James (Jane) Smith as well as many more family members who loved him dearly. If asked, both his children and wife would agree that Mike was the epitome of what it meant to be a father and husband, and also their best friend. Mike is the kind of man who was happiest when taking care of others; no one ever left his home hungry, and his family never wanted for anything. While able to maintain the sternness required of an officer of the law when at work, at home he was a goofy, caring man who made everyone laugh, could tell a great story, and those who he loved never doubted that he would always be there to lend a helping hand, no matter what the need. While his family is devastated by this loss, and know there will never be another man like him, they are appreciative that he was able, through organ and tissue donation, to give to others one last time, in hope that his heroism and courage live on through this gift of life. Family will welcome friends 4-8pm (7:30 FOP Service) Monday, April 18, 2016 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 313 N. State St., Westerville, OH 43082 where funeral service with honors will be held at 11am Tuesday, April 19, 2016; Rev. Fr. Leo Connolly and Fr. Kevin Lutz will preside over the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Steven M. Smith Memorial Fund, c/o CME Federal Credit Union, 365 S. 4th St., Columbus, OH 43215 or online at www.fop9.org (614-882-4683). Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Northeast Chapel. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories or to view Steve’s video tribute.