Michael G. Smith

Michael G. Smith, 80, of Napoleon passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. He was born at the Whitlatch Clinic in Milan on September 12, 1944, the son of Charles W. and Edith Johnson Smith. He was married to Marlene Witkemper on June 1, 1963, and his wife of 62 years survives. Other survivors include three sons Michael Scott (Vickie) Smith of Batesville, Anthony "Tony" (Liliana) Smith of Lawrenceburg, and Sean Andrew (Sherry) Smith of Napoleon; four grandchildren Heather (Steve) Huff of Osgood, Trent (Paige) Smith of Batesville, and Michael Anthony Smith and Jacob Scott Smith of Lawrenceburg; four great-grandchildren Brody and Charlie Huff and Crew and Beckham Smith; one brother Richard "Rick" (Tammy) Smith of Napoleon. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Patricia Hoegeman. Mr. Smith was a 1962 graduate of Jac-Cen-Del High School. He spent 47 years as a lineman and line supervisor for the Southeastern Indiana REMC in Osgood, beginning in 1962 and retiring in 2010 and did private electrician work as well. Mike was a standout basketball player for the Jac-Cen-Del Eagles and had the distinction of scoring the first basket in the inaugural game of the new Jac-Cen-Del gym in a game against the Holton Warhorses. He received a basketball scholarship offer from Murray State and was a member of the Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame. Mike always enjoyed being on the farm and his other hobbies included woodworking, playing golf, gardening, and spending time with his family. Mike was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Napoleon and was a 50-plus year member of the Osgood Masonic Lodge as well as being an honorary member of 14 other area masonic lodges. Visitation will be Friday, June 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with masonic services by the Osgood Masonic Lodge at 8 p.m. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon. Memorials may be given to the Osgood Masonic Lodge in care of the funeral home.