Michael L. Smith

Michael L. Smith, 63, of Somerset, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones at the Morrison House in Zanesville. He beat cancer and passed from complications of his bone marrow transplant in October 2020. Mike was born March 4, 1959, in Lancaster, Ohio to Miriam (Dupler) Smith of Somerset and the late Harold Smith. He was a 1978 graduate of Sheridan High School. Mike loved training and driving standardbreds from the time he was a young man until he was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2019. He enjoyed going to harness racing and seeing his friends. Mike lived in and out of state training horses for different stables and loved going to local county fairs driving in the sulky. He loved spending time with his family and friends and watching his granddaughters playing sports and showing at the fair. Mike was a member of the Somerset Volunteer Fire Department, the United States Trotting Association, and the Ohio Harness Association. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Stephanie (Hoover) Smith; his daughter, Nanette (Levi) Thompson of New Lexington; his son, Michael Smith II of Somerset; 3 beautiful granddaughters, Kerry, Kaleena, and Corrine Thompson; two sisters, Debra (Robert) Giehls and Barbara (Terry) Culp; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a great-great- niece. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald J. Smith. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2022, at the Bope-Thomas Funeral Home in Somerset. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Christopher Yakkel as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Somerset-Reading Twp. Fire Department, Perry County Cancer Alliance, The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, or Genesis Hospice and Palliative Care (Morrison House). www.bopethomasfuneralhome.com