Obituaries

Michael Smith, retired officer, passes

Michael Smith, a retired correctional officer and Marine Corps veteran, passed away Aug. 7, 2024, at 63 years old. He retired in 2019 after 33 years of service.

Michael Smith, retired correctional officer, passed away Aug. 7, 2024.
Michael Smith

He began his correctional career as a cadet at the Basic Correctional Officer Academy in September 1986.

After graduating, he reported to the California Correctional Center in Susanville.

Smith then transferred to California State Prison, Corcoran, in January 1988. He remained at the institution until he retired in July 2019 after 33 years of service.

Smith served in the US Marine Corps for two years.

“He enjoyed spending time with friends and family,” according to a statement issued by the institution. “He also enjoyed activities such as shooting, visiting Las Vegas, and karaoke. Mike will be missed by those who knew him and are thankful for the time they had with him. Our deepest condolences are extended to the Smith family.”

Services will be Aug. 15 at 9:15 a.m. at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd, in Arvin.


Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

Related content

San Quentin mourns passing of Officer Michelle Jones‑Harris

Michelle Jones-Harris, a correctional officer at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away July 21, 2026. Jones-Harris began her career at…

Remembering CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, one year later.

Watch: Agent Byrd memorialized at training center, CMF

Two CDCR memorial ceremonies honored fallen Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, marking one year since his passing. At California Medical Facility…

Ismael Martinez, retired correctional lieutenant

Ismael Martinez, a retired correctional lieutenant from Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, passed away July 14, 2026. He worked…

CMF mourns loss of Melissa Boos, management services tech

Melissa Boos, a management service technician at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville, passed away July 21, 2026. She worked…

CSP‑Solano mourns loss of Kevin Thomas, health records tech

Kevin Thomas, a health records technician at California State Prison-Solano, passed away June 22, 2026. Thomas began his career as…

San Quentin mourns passing of Jonathan Castillo, office tech

Jonathan Castillo, an office technician at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away Feb. 1, 2026. Castillo began his career at…