William Michael Smith Jr.

W. Michael Smith Jr., 83, passed away on October 7th. He was Valedictorian of his class at Leo High School and graduated from Purdue with honors. He worked for IBM in New York and was part of a team that developed IBM computers in Burlington, Vermont. He received an “Outstanding Invention Award" for his patents in early computer technology. Mike moved to Indiana to become a dairy farmer in Dekalb County. He was a 10 year member of DHIA earning several awards for milk production. As a third career he designed environmental electronic controls for Choretime- Brock in S. Milford. Mike was an active member of the local United Methodist Church in the various communities and enjoyed singing in the choirs. Mike & Mary enjoyed many 'Elderhostels' around the country and visited all 50 states. In retirement he was honored with the Jefferson Award and the 15 Who Care Award for his volunteer work of furnishing and maintaining affordable cars for the clients of the Northeastern Center.

His Boilermaker loyalty, conversations and smiles will be missed by his wife of 62 years, Mary, and family, Robert & Gay Smith, of Virginia; Larry & Sue Smith, W. Lafayette, IN, Joanne Beerbower, Grabill, IN; Bob Beerbower, Ft. Wayne, IN Kathie & Bob Coon, Baton Rouge, LA. Surviving children are Bill Smith, Auburn, IN; Nancy & Bob Brown, Chicago, IL; Diane & Mike Hoffelder, New York; Sue & Rich Schieber, Plymout, IN - 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and many loved in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be greeted in heaven by his parents, in-laws and a great grandchild.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm Sunday, October 15, 2023, at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home 1320 E. Dupont Road Fort Wayne, IN with visitation Sunday, from 12:00 pm until 2:00pm and following the service until 4:00 pm. Private burial at Scipio Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northeastern Center, PO Box 81, Kendallville IN 46755. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com