A Son, brother, uncle, and friend, Sergeant Kevin Michael Smith died unexpectedly on August 4th, 2016 in Miles City, Montana. He was 25 years old.
The youngest of Margaret Compton and Perry Smith’s four children, Kevin was born in Carson City, Nevada on Dec. 10th, 1990. From the get-go, Kevin had an infectious smile that lit up a room, a warmth about him that always left you feeling loved, and a laugh that could ease even the toughest of moments. He grew up in Butte and attended Kennedy Elementary, East Middle School, and graduated from Butte High in 2009.
Kevin joined the Montana Army National Guard in June 2008 as part of the 631st Chemical Company. In July of 2011 he joined the 260th Engineer Support Company and deployed to Afghanistan with them from June 2012 to March 2013. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Drivers Mechanic Badge-Operator, the Armed Forces Reserve Military Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. His state awards include the Montana National Guard Attendance Ribbon and the Montana National Guard Noble Eagle Ribbon.
After his deployment, Kevin continued to work towards his dreams, often keeping 2 jobs at a time, while also spending one weekend a month with the Army National Guard. No matter how busy he was, he always found time to be there for anyone that needed him. He was the most selfless person you would meet, always checking in to see how you were doing or offering a lending hand.
He attended Montana Tech with long-term dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Kevin had a love for animals, especially his dog Marlow. She was the light of his life, his welcome home gift, and a source of constant comfort and joy.
Kevin was always the life of the party, making everything funny in his own way. Buffalo Wild Wings was his favorite hangout; his name was at the top of the jukebox list. He was always up for a good time, and always had a Corona to share. He leaves behind many friends locally and afar, as well as many military comrades that grew close to him over the years.
Above all, Kevin had a passion and never ending love for his nieces. They were his pride and joy, a source of happiness and love, and always greeted him with hugs, smiles, and laughter. He was very close with his siblings, Tori, Jess, and Bryan. Whenever they were all together there was nothing short of a good time and laughter to the point of tears.
Kevin‘s passing came light-years too soon and leaves a void in the heart of every person fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by his parents, Perry Smith and Margaret Compton; siblings, Victoria Kocher, Jessica Smith, and Bryan Smith; brother-in-law, Matthew Kocher; sister-in-law, Shonnie Smith; Grandmother, Audrey Weil; Nieces, Kiley, Leah, Allie, Kaitlyn, and Gabby; Nephew, Donovan; numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, fellow soldiers and friends, as well as his beloved dog Marlow.
Kevin was preceded by grandparents, Betty Fiedler, Larry Fiedler, Sr., Rev. MS Compton Jr, and Jack Smith; Uncle, Richard Smith.
Services will take place Wednesday, August 10th at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Convention Center. Public viewing will begin at 10 a.m, with a funeral service at 11a.m., followed by a graveside service with Full Military Honors. A celebration of his life will directly follow at Fairmont Resort Gazebo. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is managing funeral arrangements.
Please feel free to wear your favorite tie in honor of Kevin’s notorious love for ties.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions can be sent to US Bank of Helena under Kevin’s name.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Fairmont Resort
1500 Fairmont Road
Fairmont, Montana 59711
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Fairmont Resort
1500 Fairmont Road
Fairmont, Montana 59711
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Sunset Memorial Cemetery
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Fairmont Resort
1500 Fairmont Road
Fairmont, Montana 59711
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Fairmont Resort
1500 Fairmont Road
Fairmont, Montana 59711
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Sunset Memorial Cemetery
Butte, Montana 59701
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Kelly Mellott says
I love you Kevin, and I wish we had more time together.
My heart is heavy as I remember all the good times we’ve had together.
You made me laugh constantly and it was never a dull moment with you.
I hope you are at peace now. You are, and will be greatly missed.
Carley O'Rourke says
Kevin, I can’t believe you are no longer with us… you were always so kind to me and cheered me up when I was down. When I moved away I would still come back for the butte festivities and try to find you every time. I’ll miss you so much Kevin….
Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hands…
Casey says
Kevin haven’t seen you in a couple years but the news broke my heart. You were always my “Spongebob kid” that always had the biggest smile on everytime I saw you. Rip bud you will forever be love and missed.
molly says
so sad to hear this news… I only knew you a short while in the Guard. I’m blessed for that time though. you always had a smile on your face. your presence will be missed, but your spirit is here.