Michael Lhamon, 74, passed away at home on July 27 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

He was born on June 4, 1949 to Dean and Norma (Meckstroth) Lhamon, who preceded him in death.

He grew up in St. Marys, often referring to his childhood years playing sports with the neighbor kids on Perry Street from morning until night. He loved being a Roughrider, and earned the nickname "Skis" from his buddies. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1967 and went on to play baseball and basketball at Ohio Northern University, where his teammates and fraternity brothers became lifelong friends who gathered twice a year to play golf, laugh, and remember their glory days.

Mike served his country with pride in the Vietnam War and became a fervent patriot. He loved the USA, and once he set foot back on American soil, resolved never to leave again. He cherished his status as a veteran of the U.S. Army. Returning from the war, he finished college at Wright State University, and later his MBA at the University of Dayton. He loved his work in manufacturing management and human resources at Goodyear, his beloved Huffy (the best management team ever assembled), Powell Company, American Trim, and ended his career as Director of Benefits at Crown Corporation. He also enjoyed his time as an adjunct instructor at the Wright State branch teaching business.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon (Bertke) of 49 years, and he loved to tell the story about how they met while she was lifeguarding at Villa Nova beach. He is also survived by his son Andrew (Beth) Lhamon of Powell, Ohio and their children, Jacob and Josie, and his daughter Katie (Brian) Vanderhorst of Dublin, Ohio and their children, Wesley, Bennett, and Audra (who lovingly named him "Pop"). His siblings Barbara and Tim Lhamon survive in St. Marys along with Denise (Lhamon) and Dave Wirrig of Greensburg, Indiana, and in-laws Denise (Bertke) and Phil Keegan of Middletown, Ohio. His foster daughters, "the Stepleton girls," always remained close to his heart - Stephanie Hermann of Texas, Jessica Stern of Virginia, and Polly Cooper of Tiffin, Ohio.

Mike was a member of Holy Rosary Church and was a past chairman of the United Way, Celina. He loved mentoring youth in sports, spending many hours with Y basketball and the Little Riders, and played an active role in the birth of the Auglaize/Mercer family YMCA. He was also a member of Idlewild Men's club and Mercer County Elks. His life changed at the age of 39 when his first steps onto the path of ill health began. Many heart surgeries and hospitalizations followed until, as a friend remarked, his nine lives came to an end, and with it years of fighting for "a good day." Through it all, he rarely complained. Mike enjoyed being informed on everything from sports, to religion, to politics and never held back on his opinions, as most of his friends can attest. In contrast to that side of his personality, he was a sincere and gentle soul who served as a friend, father-figure, and mentor to many. It was often commented on how he made a difference in someone's life because he believed in them. Mike will be remembered by his genuine smile that lit up a room and the most loving hugs that could brighten anyone's day.

His children are so thankful to all of his doctors and nurses who have helped him over the years, Grand Lake Hospice for the incredible care they gave as he transitioned to eternal life, and to our mother, his devoted wife, who is the greatest caregiver of them all, and fiercely honored her vow "in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part." Please forgive any grammatical errors, as Mike was always the proofreader of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a foundation close to Mike's heart. Kateswell (kateswell.org) was founded by his daughter Katie and her husband Brian in the wake of her battle with cancer. 100% of all donations go directly to provide support to cancer patients in Ohio during their treatment journey.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 30 from 1-4 pm at Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, St. Marys, with a service following at 4:00 pm led by his friend, Pastor Rhonda Hainer.