Michael L. Smith

Michael “Mikey” Smith, 33, of Creston, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025, at his home in Creston. A Celebration of Life memorial gathering will be held from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, July 5, at Creston Eagles Lodge #1797. Family will be hosting a potluck style meal and ask you to bring your favorite dish to share.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family. Powers Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.powersfh.com.

Michael Lee “Mikey” Smith passed away after a lifelong battle with Friedreich’s Ataxia. Mikey was born July 27, 1991, to Dwayne and Kalian Smith in Creston. He graduated high school in 2009, then worked in the office at Innovative Industries until his health deteriorated. He had many close friends through the years. Along with him, they always seemed to find mischief wherever they went.

Mikey was diagnosed with FA in 2001. He never sought sympathy but rather fought courageously for life. He inspired everyone who knew him. Doctors who diagnosed his condition did not expect he would live to graduate high school. He fought another 16 years after graduation.

Mikey loved the St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Raiders and Iowa Hawkeyes. He proudly wore his Raiders and Cardinals tattoos. He could easily recall stats for most players in MLB or NFL, even many that had retired before he was born. He spent countless hours studying and learning sports statistics.

Mikey especially enjoyed cheering on the Raiders with his cousin Jeremiah Johnson, both watching on TV and when they attended a game at Oakland Coliseum dressed in full Raiders garb. He attended many Cardinals games. Most important to him was one with lifelong friend Morgan Evans. Together they also attended a Bears-Raiders game in Chicago.

Another special game memory was watching his Raiders at Kansas City from the sideline. They were on the field, right behind the Raiders bench while Leslie’s Dance team waited to perform during the halftime show. He had to wear a KC jersey, but being the diehard fan he was, wore his Raiders jersey under it.

Mikey is survived by his parents; brothers, David (Cindy) Smith and Alan Smith (Katy Bergenske); nephews, Derek Smith and Cody Swaney; nieces, Kaitlynn Smith, Gracie (Jake) Franklin and Hannah Swaney; grandmother Helen Waddell; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Roy and Fern Waddell; grandparents, Skippy Johnson, Bettie Johnson and Dennis and Glenda Smith; uncle Charles Johnson and cousin Jordan Murphy.