Michael Smith

A longtime Butler County sheriff's deputy died suddenly of natural causes at his Fenelton home Friday evening, authorities said.

Michael W. Smith, 49, apparently collapsed at his home where he lived with his parents.

“I was shocked when I heard what happened,” Sheriff Mike Slupe said Sunday. He received a phone call from state police advising him of Smith's death.

Smith had been a mainstay at the sheriff's office for 21 years.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Smith was one of six employees in the office that was temporarily furloughed at the end of March.

Slupe noted that Smith was the most senior deputy when he volunteered to be one of the furloughed employees.

“He didn't have to do what he did,” Slupe said. “He did it because that's the kind of guy he was. He was looking out for the younger people so they didn't have to take their time off.

“That was typical of Mike. He was a team player. He was very kind and he always wanted to help.”

A 1988 graduate of Butler High School, Smith earned a degree in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He also graduated from the Municipal Police Academy.

A fellow academy graduate of Smith's, Trooper David Loeffler, went to Smith's house when he got the news Friday. Slupe donned his sheriff's uniform and went to the home.

“As I met Dave and we started walking toward the house,” Slupe said, “they were bringing (Mike's body) in a flag-draped stretcher. I thought that was very honorable. Dave and I rendered a salute as the (stretcher) passed in front of us.”

Chief Deputy Mark Peffer and senior Deputy Eric McLafferty also showed up and along with Slupe rendered “End of Watch” honors, providing a vehicle escort for the sport utility vehicle carrying Smith's body to the Hile Funeral Home in nearby Donegal Township.

In addition to his parents, Smith is survived by a brother, two sisters and several nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.

Public visitation will be at the Hile Funeral Home, 339 Chicora Fenelton Roard, Chicora, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Because of COVID-19, the viewing chapel will be limited to 10 people at a time.

A private blessing service will be held Wednesday from the funeral home. Burial will be at St. Wendelin Cemetery in Summit Township.

Slupe said Smith will be accorded honors at the visitation and the funeral service. His obituary appears on Page 6.