Richard “Dick” W. Michel, 89, of Huntington, passed away at 8:09 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
Dick was born on June 2, 1933, in Huntington, the son of Herbert Michel and Pauline (Stultz) Michel. He graduated from Washington Center in Whitley County, IN with the class of 1952. Dick then married Elizabeth "Betty" Gillespie on April 19, 1953, at the United Methodist Church in Columbia City. Together they were in their 70th year of marriage. Dick served in the United States Army during the Korean War (1954-1956) where he was stationed in the Territory of Alaska. Dick worked as a farmer his whole life, starting young working for the family farm then onto his own farm in Clear Creek.
Dick was a member of the American Legion Post #85 and a member of the Bippus Lions Club for over 50 years. He was a club leader in the Huntington County 4-H, Clear Creek Township Advisory Board member for 40 years, and a board member for Evangelical United Methodist Church of Huntington, IN, where he also helped with maintenance of the building. In his free time Dick loved to fish, golf, and garden. He was an avid fan of IU Hoosiers basketball and the Chicago Cubs baseball team.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Richard) Michel of Huntington; three sons, Kevin R. (Jere) Michel of Columbia City, Edward L. (Carol) Michel of Huntington, and Mark W. (Janet) Michel of Houston, Texas; daughter, Beth E. (Jerry) Holland of Cocoa Beach, Florida; brother, Donald Michel of Richmond; two Sisters, Joyce A. Butler of Columbia City, and Becky Puckett of Columbia City; he was “Pops” to seven grandchildren- Kyle, Jessica, Jarod, Karisa, Matthew, Ryan, and Nathan; and six great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Herbert Michel, mother, Pauline Michel, and four brothers, Loren Michel, Lyle Michel, Robert “Bob” Michel, and Raymond Michel.
Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Dr, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Pastor Chris Lantz officiating. There will be a one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will be in Beech Grove Cemetery in Huntington. Military Honors will be rendered by the VFW Post 2689 Honor Guard.
Preferred memorials to the Evangelical United Methodist Church of Huntington, IN, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750.
Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com.
