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 Aunt’s, 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 Rd.
Fairmont, MT 59711
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Fairmont Resort
1500 Fairmont Rd.
Fairmont, MT 59711
Interment with Full Military Honors
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Sunset Memorial Cemetery
Highway 10
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Fairmont Resort
1500 Fairmont Rd.
Fairmont, MT 59711
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Fairmont Resort
1500 Fairmont Rd.
Fairmont, MT 59711
Interment with Full Military Honors
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Sunset Memorial Cemetery
Highway 10
Butte, MT 59701
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Shorty and Judy Brush says
Praying for God to give the Family of Sgt. Kevin Smith the strength now and it the days to come
so sorry for your loss
Doug and Paula Kiosse says
Prayers for the family. May God Bless all of you.
Josh and Jessi Baird says
Smith was so special to us and our family, he will be greatly missed. We will never forget all the great times we had together in Afghanistan and stateside. Our kids will miss you. We love you and our prayers go out to your family.
Kim Clark says
I’m praying God wraps all Kevin’s family and friends in his arms and holds you through this difficult time.
Darin Dimas says
May you rest in peace my brother , your smile and cheerful personality will be missed by your family and friends and all your brothers in arms. You’ve been to hell and back and time to meet The Lord Prayers to his family
Sonnie Sargent Formerly Sonnie Dugan says
We haven’t spoken in a few years. Life got so busy. But in high school looked forward to some of my darkest days because I knew you would be there to brighten up my day! We talked NASCAR and small talk 🙂 you helped me time and time again with the homework i Should have done the day before. I will dig around to find pictures I’m sure I have some somewhere. We wernt incredibly close but your presence in my life made an incredible difference and to learn that you are gone breaks my heart. I wish I could have been a better friend. I wish we had kept in better touch. You were an amazing man! I will always remember you as such! I will always remember you as the smiling boy in the cafeteria, who made my school day better! The funny kid you would joke with me before class….
Your family is in my thoughts… I pray you find the peace you so deserve..
No words can fill the missing pieces in your family and friends lives… But I express my respect and sadness.
Kevin’s family. . I’m so sorry for your loss. Kevin impacted my life in many ways even though our friendship wasn’t the closest….
Rest Easy Kevin. I Miss You.
Griz says
You will be missed “Nascar”. One of a kind guy.
Jennifer Teeter says
I met Kevin when we worked together at Hastings in Butte, MT. He was always in a good mood and just one of the nicest people you could ever meet! So sorry for his family and friends may they find peace in this tragedy.
April A. says
You don’t know me, but I just wanted to say my condolences to your family and thank you from the bottom of my heart : Thank you for your service and sacrafices to our country!
Aaron w Lowman says
Go in peace we got this watch. Thank you for your service. To his family my deepest condolences. I lost a young man two years that was very close to me. I feel your sorrow. May God be with you.
russell says
Kevin you were one of my best friends. I wish we could have stayed in touch more. I really miss you bro I love ya you will be missed .
gilien says
I only knew Kevin from online gaming, but he was a good friend, great company and like an older brother in the game. Always a mentor, always willing to help another. Will miss you Kevin. Prayers to your family.
Ronna says
Praying for the family. May God bless you for your sacrifice.
Terrie says
I’m going to miss you Sifu Kevin.. You were always so happy when I talked to you on Rs.. We were just getting to know each other, now you are with our beautiful Berry, playing Rs in the eternal kingdom… Rest in peace my friend… love you lots..
MO
Patrick and Gina Qualley says
The good lord gave us a great man, friend, a brother. So great, the good lord called him home early in life. He knew how to give the room life when ever he was around. He carried with him a positive aura no matter where he went. From the TOC to the barracks he was almost always smiling. May his family find love and comfort in these trying times. And may the 260th grow ever closer together as sons and daughters of the great United States. Love one another. Protect one another. Whether it be on or off the battlefield, watch your brothers and sisters back. United we stand, divided we fall.
Holmes Adler says
Kevin had been a valued member of our Runescape gaming clan for several years now, and when duty took him away from us, we always prayed for his safe return. In the game, he was a fearless warrior, slaying whatever terrors the game could try to inflict upon him. He was a beloved clan mate, and though we did not know much about him outside the game, his friendly demeanor, energy and sense of humor will be sorely missed by all the members of his gaming family. My deepest condolences on the family’s loss, and my thanks to you, Kevin, my friend, for the service you gave to your country.
Kerowynd says
My condolences to his family and friends, for your great loss and for for all your sacrifices.
Mary Dee Jipp Bodenberger says
My heartfelt sympathy goes to the family and friends myself included. I worked with Kevin and I always thought he was one of the best. I still do. He was a great kid, a hard worker, fun. Always appeared happy and smiling. Kevin~~~~ the lost of you has honestly hurt me even thou I “only” knew you as a co-worker. You were one of my favorite people to see at Hastings. You were always well dressed and in a great mood. I’m glad I knew you and I’ll never forget you. I saw in pictures you went to a toast to Hastings. I felt from the get go I wanted and needed to go but my 11 hour shift at my new job said otherwise. I wish I could have been there. I wish you were still here. Sincerely Mary Dee Jipp Bodenberger
marux says
deepest condolences to kevins family and friends.i knew kev from playing runescape,he was just a real nice guy,always willing to help anyone who needed it,was always friendly and positive.kevin my friend you will be missed by a lot of people on runescape.god bless you kevin.rest in peace my friend.
Rev. Ron Mallernee a.k.a. Notrone says
I am from Kevins Runescape clan. I too as will our clan, miss him and his participation, we will be saying prayers for your family and all his friends and brothers-in-arms. So sorry for your loss.
Cheyenne says
To Kevin’s close friends and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin was one of very few people I have stayed in contact with since high school. He was always so kind and generous. I will miss running into him like I always seemed to do. I swear, every time I would go out on the town, late or early in the day, I would run into him and we would catch up and say our good-byes with a hug and a handshake! What a terrible loss this is to Butte and everywhere he had touched with that brilliant smile. You are all in my thoughts.
Kathy Ramirez says
Prayers for all the family of Sgt. Kevin Smith.
Condolences to you and your family.
Words don’t mean a lot during this difficult time.
My family and I would like to say Thank You
Sgt. Kevin Smith for your service to this great nation. R.I.P. It is men like Kevin who give unselfishly to secure the freedom of everyone in the U.S.A.
We can never repay such a debt. Just know as long as I breathe I will never forget the sacrifice you gave for us Sgt. Kevin Smith. GO with God .
God Bless and may the Angels always watch over your family !!
gail self says
Thank you for your service. Prayers for your family and friends.
Linda & Michael Prewitt, Okla. says
Your service was exceptional , we are so proud to say thank you to you and send our prayers for your family
Shaun Smith says
Dear cousin, I’m out here on this deployment. How I wish we could’ve talked. I’m proud of you for serving. We both don the same uniform. I’m sad you are gone. A soldier’s tears are never shed in vain. You fell into the 23 per day. My heart goes out to the rest of the family. Your battles are over, I pray you found the peace you deserve. We, your brothers, will hold the line for you so you can rest easy now.
Kiley Kocher says
I loved u so much, i wish i could have seen u more, i still have your DS and your games, your tv, and many memorable items. I will never forget you or the time I found out of your passing, my mom, (tori) was crying at the kitchen table while I was playing outside in the backyard. I walked in and asked her what was wrong and she told me the news…I’ll never forget that. I also have a video of me walking to u the for the first time.
Love u Uncle Kevin!!!!
Love, your niece,
KILEY KOCHER <3
Kiley Kocher says
I loved u so much, i wish i could have seen u more, i still have your DS and your games, your tv, and many memorable items. I will never forget you or the time I found out of your passing, my mom, (tori) was crying at the kitchen table while I was playing outside in the backyard. I walked in and asked her what was wrong and she told me the news…I’ll never forget that. I also have a video of me walking to u for the first time.
Love u Uncle Kevin!!!!
Love, your niece,
KILEY KOCHER <3