Memorial service for late Montana Standard reporter Mike Smith planned for Thursday

Editor's note: This obituary was submitted to the Montana Standard and Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services in Butte. Find the Standard's full news obituary for Mike Smith here.  

Michael Andrew Smith, 60, died February 23, 2026, at his home in Butte. Mike is remembered as an old-school newspaperman who’s fair, objective, readable and accurate work was trusted and respected by readers and sources alike.

He is remembered too for his loyalty to friends, a lively sense of humor and love for the dogs he whole-heartedly nurtured during his life.

Mike, a military brat, was born in 1965 at Elmendorf Air Force Base outside Anchorage, Alaska. The U.S. Army also took the family to Indiana, Oklahoma, Missouri, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Virginia and finally back to Oklahoma at Fort Sill.

Mike’s professional career began after earning a journalism degree in 1988 from the University of Oklahoma. He reported for the Associated Press in both Oklahoma and Indiana and for other news outlets.

In 2013, Mike joined The Montana Standard and covered local government, the courts, and politics. He was cherished by colleagues in news and advertising. The newsroom is less fun and fulfilling without him.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria, in 2022. He is survived by his father, Blaine Smith, of Duncan, Oklahoma, and brother Steve Smith and his wife, Terri Smith, of Houston, Texas.

Other survivors include dogs, Barklee and Keeper.

Memorials may be made to the Butte Rescue Mission or the Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter.

A memorial service for Mike will be held March 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 329 W. Mercury St., Butte. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus, 224 W. Park St.

Axelson Funeral & Cremations is privileged to care for Mike and his family.