Michael Evan Smith was born on March 31,1952, in Clinton, Indiana to Darrel B. Smith and Mary Margaret Lawson Smith, the second of five children. Michael passed away peacefully September 26, 2022. He attended Matthews-South Elementary school and graduated as valedictorian of his class at Clinton High School in 1970. He then attended Indiana State University, graduating with a B.S. degree in Art.
After a life changing event, he moved to Bloomington, Indiana where he worked as a graphic artist while earning both a Master’s and Doctorate degree from Indiana University under the mentorship of Dr. Alan P. Bell. Upon graduation he worked in private practice counseling individuals and couples. While still in Bloomington, and after returning to Terre Haute, he worked as a counselor at the Hamilton Center in Clay County. He later worked part time as a psychologist at the Indiana State University Counseling Center until his retirement.
Throughout his life Michael was known for his infectious sense of humor, his artistic talent, his intellect, and his ability to put people at ease and make them laugh. His early sci-fi nerdiness endeared him to many All these attributes endowed him with the ability to connect with people of all walks of life. Besides being the funniest man, he was also seen as artistic, courageous and some would even say trailblazing. One of his nieces said, “Michael was an awesome person who brought us all a little bit of joy each time we saw him.” That is a sentiment shared by loved ones, friends, colleagues and caregivers.
On that note, we’d like to thank Dr. Puchalapalli and Adrienne, Dr. Shatogopam and staff. We also express our gratitude to the Wyndmoor Assisted Living staff, (you, individually, know who you are), and, most recently, the staff at The Commons at Honey Creek Memory Care Unit.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and older sister, Darlene Smith Harris, as well as his many beloved fur friends.
He is survived by his sisters, Teri Clark (Roger) of Terre Haute, Robin Winniski of Terre Haute, and Luann Levi, of Kennesaw, Georgia, and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. He also is survived by many beloved friends ( you know who you are and we love you).
Michael’s wishes were to be cremated with no services. He suggested donations be made to the Humane Society of Terre Haute or a charity of your choice.
One of Michael’s favorite quotes from e.e.cummings, was:
” It takes courage to grow up and turn out who you really are.”