Walter E. (Mike) Michaels, Jr.

 

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at LaGrone Funer­al Chapel for Walter E. (Mike) Michaels, Jr. age 92, who passed away on April 23, 2018. Troy Grant of Berrendo Baptist Church will officiate.

Mike was born in Bradford, PA, on July 21, 1925 to Walter E., Sr. and Lois Michaels who preceded him in death. He married Marilyn Williamson in 1951 in Bradford, and they later moved to Roswell because of Mike's health. They had a daughter, Kelly, and a son, Pat. He was a tile setter and then later became the manager of the Old West Package store.

He later married Laura Ridlon in 1974. He was passionate about the Dallas Cowboys and rarely missed a game. He was also a huge Penn State Fan and followed them regularly. Mike often reminisced about Bradford and how much he missed the beauty of the hills but knew he would not have survived as long as he had in the harsh climate. He also loved to fish and loved large dogs especially German Shepherds. He enjoyed bowling and played on many leagues.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Laura; brother, Robert Michaels and his wife, Sara; brother-in-law Paul Frontino; nephew, Gregory Carlson; son, George Ridlon; and granddaughter, Candi Ridlon.

Mike is survived by Kelly Mattson (Chuck) of Grand' Junction, CO; Pat Michaels (Von-dell) of Lago Vista, TX; John Ridlon (Debbie) of Sudan, TX; Mark Ridlon of Roswell; Martha Allen (Mike) of Capitan, NM; and Donald Ridlon of Roswell; eleven grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. He is also survived by his older sister, Marian Frontino of Smethport, PA; and his younger sister, Dorothy Carlson (Kenny) of St. Mary's, PA.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Roswell Humane Society, 703 E. McGaffey, Roswell, NM 88203.

Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Online condo­lences may be made at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com.