Michael Joseph Barker
March 19, 1966 ~ April 21, 2005
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Fletcher ~ Michael Joseph Barker, 39, of Fletcher, died on Thursday, April 21, 2005 at his residence after a brave and courageous battle with melanoma.
A native of North Judson, Indiana, Mike was the son of the late E. Ray Barker and of Joan C. Marshall Barker of North Judson, Indiana. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Lloyd Harrell.
Mike was a devoted father, husband, brother, son and friend. He enjoyed all sports and was an avid music fan. He graduated from Purdue University with a Manufacturing Management degree that led him to live many places pursuing his management career. His last position was at Gold Star Coatings in Arden. He always desired to invent something and was successful in December 2002 with a patent of the Spyroglow. He was a member of the Covenant Community United Methodist Church in the Reynolds community.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 14 years, Felicia Harrell Barker of Fletcher; three sons, Jacob, Drew and Patrick Barker all of the home; two sisters, Cathy Eades of Lafayette, IN and Therese Cochran of Avon, IN.; four brothers, Charlie Barker of Las Vegas, NV, John Barker of Brownsburg, IN, Jim Barker of Rochester, IN and Matt Barker of Greenfield, IN.; mother-in-law, Nancy Harrell of Mentone, IN; two sister-in-laws, LuAnn Heitner of New Port Richey, FL and Sara Boganwright of Mentone, IN.
An open house will be held on Sunday, May 15th at the Chesapeake Run Golf Club in North Judson, Ind. from 2 until 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Building 1 Asheville, NC 28801.
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Dear Barker Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. I remember him from high school. He was a great guy and always had a great smile. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Felicia and family –
I am so sad to hear this news (via Pepper and Lee Ann). It has been years since I have seen you, but my thoughts are with you.
With Love, Lisa
Felicia,
I am grateful that our DG network from school is effective and enables us to reach out to each other during times like this. I’m so sorry about Mike and hope that you can be somewhat comforted by reading the many entries of so many people that have loved Mike and will continue to love and support you and the boys.
I still remember well when you and Mike first started to date and how absolutely crazy you were about him. I’m sure he was a great husband and father. The years you spent with him are something you’ll alway treasure.
Know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
ITB,
Amy
Dear Felicia, Jacob, Drew, and Patrick,
Our hearts overflow with love for you at this time. We know that this is a very difficult time since Mike’s death, but we also know what a beautiful ‘goog-bye’ you had with your beloved husband and Dad.
We are honored that we got to be with all of you over the Christmas holidays at Christi and Steve’s house. What a strong man to have known and for you, to have lived with and call him Dad and husband.
Grieve as much as you need to. May you continue to live a full life remembering all of the joyful moments you shared with him.
Take care and God bless you,
‘Bookie’ and Marc West
Dear Felecia,
We were saddened to hear of your loss. The longer we live, the more we learn about life, yet all these experiences don’t really seem to help when it comes to the loss of a husband, loving father, and a son. Will remember Mike fondly with his kind and generous spirit…Our deepest sympathy to you, Joan, and family.
kathleen & jerry paras
Dear Felicia & Boys
I can remember as a little kid back in North Judson being teased and tickled to death by Mike and Matt. They were such fun to be around and man where they cute. I loved that they were my uncles. Ever since we moved from North Judson ( I was only 12 yrs old) I had only heard how everyone was through my parents ( Charlie & Colette) As you know we always sent Christmas cards and such but I didn’t really know Mike as well as i would have liked, especially now. My mother told me of all of the people who came to his viewing and she was in awe.
He has touched so many lives.
It was so wonderful to see him and visit with him when he made the trip to Las Vegas in 2003. He was able to meet my husband and we all had dinner together.
His battle was constantly being discussed by myself and my mother, she was always updating us on his condition. I feel like a hypocrite for saying this, but Mike’s illness and death have been very hard on me and extremely emotional. I can’t even fathom the heartache and pain that you have felt and continue to feel. I can only say that you are not alone in those feelings. I grieve not only for Mike’s passing but for you aswell.
I have never met your boys but have heard numerous wonderful things about them. My dad says that you are an Outstanding mother. My dad was able to have some wonderful talks with Mike the week before he died and he shared some of those talks with me and it made me feel better to hear the things that he said. I sincerely hope that you will come out to Las Vegas some day and bring the boys. I would love to meet you and get to know the person who made my uncle so very very happy. I think of you so very often and pray that you are doing well. I know that your boys will keep you busy and it will be a blessing during this time. Keep strong and cherish your memories!
Love, Angie (Halik) Roylance & Family
Dear Felicia – My deepest sympathies to you and your family. We are all thinking of you at this time and our prayers are with you. Much Love, Anne Chronopoulos
Felicia & the Barkers,
I only have the very best memories of you, Mike, and the entire Barker family. Although I have not seen you and your family for many years, I always felt close to Mike and I will miss him very much. My family, my wife Kathi and son Reed, will remember your family in our prayers. We pray for your strength to care for one another. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is something I can do to help you.
There were too many memories to share just a few. It is sad I haven’t spoke with Mike for years but still feel the loss. He was a great person and good friend.
Chalie and Collette-We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything that we can do to help you all anytime please don’t hesitate to call. We love you! Frank, Conni, Amy, Audra, and Frankie
My deepest sympathies to the Barker family. I knew Mike as a business associate and he was always a pleasure to deal with. I know I speak for all us here at Symmmons who had a relationship with Mike that we are deeply saddened by his loss.
Mike was a great friend. We loved his smile and easy-going nature. It was always a pleasure to spend time with him. We will always treasure the special memories of parties and dances and taillgates and weddings and spending weekends together and especially linoleum pictionary games. He will be sorely missed by all!
Felicia – I am so proud of your courage and your strength. I wish I could take away your pain. I wish I was closer and could be there and do more for you. You know I would do anything to help you. Be strong and be confident in the love and support of the many friends and family members surrounding you. -Ann
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. God be with you at this difficult time.
we are so sorry to hear about the passing of mike barker. we wish his family & friends well and will be in our prayers.
Dear Felicia and boy’s,
I was floored to hear the news of Mike’s passing. Mike was a great man when I knew him in college. I can only imagine how great he became later in life as a husband and a father. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
FOR THE FAMILY.
VERRY SAD FOR YOUR LOSS.
MIKE AND I WERE FRIENDS, AND TEAMATES,ALL THROU SCHOOL.
BEST CONDOLENCES
BOB RHOADES
CLASS OF 84
Though I only met Mike once, I found him to have a great personality and a wonderful sense of humor. My sincerest condolences for your loss.
I am So sorry for your loss,Mike was a great childhood friend of mine,And all threw school.I am sad to hear of his passing.
Please accept my most sincere sympathies. Though it has been over twenty years, my memories of Mike are as clear and pleasant now as ever’?’?and will continue to be so. I can honestly say, that what virtues I could offer as an older brother, I learned from Mike Barker. His family is in my prayers.
Mike and I shared many great memories as pledge brothers. Those of us who were blessed knowing Mike are richer for it. My family and I share in thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Felicia and the boys. I knew Mike for just a few years, but his strenght and love of life and family will be with me always. May God be with you in your times of grief.
Felicia,
May the memories held deep within your heart help to soothe your spirit at this most difficult time. With our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to you and your family,
The Machgans
So very sorry for your loss of such a special family member,loved one,and friend.
To the Barker Family: Sorry to hear about the passing away of Mike. I was hoping when I read the column, that it wasn’t him. But the more I read of the article, I knew it must be due to all the great accomplishments he had made in his life and he talked highly about his wife and I remembered her name.
My husband and I worked with him at Landis in Monticello,In.
He was a great guy and always smiling and getting you to smile. Yes, there was times he was down, but he would always try to seem like it was no big deal.
I am sure he was a great father. I can remember talking to him about raising kids and I knew he was looking forward to having them some day. He would ask me, ‘So you really think kids are born with a personality soon as their born, huh’, or he would tell me how his kids were going to the best behaved ever. Of course, with two young boys of my own, I would just laugh at him :). I don’t think anyone at work ever talked negative about him. Everyone enjoyed him and missed him when he decided to transfer to New York.
As a Christian, I noticed that he attended Church. I hope he knew Jesus Christ as his Saviour so I can see his smile again.
Are prayers are with you and your family. God Bless PSALM 33:18-22
http://www.geocities.com/foundationoffaith
Mike is many things to all who know him, To GOD He is a lover and believer in HIS SON JESUS as LORD and SAVIOR. This is Mike’s greatest accomplishment as he showed GOD’s Love to his wife, children, friends and now to all those that read this. Mike loves GOD and Beleives in HIS SON. He would want you to also see this truth. We that are fellow beleivers will spend eternity with Mike and we look forward to having him make us laugh some more. Mike made you feel good to be you, while you were near him. Felicia, Patrick, Drew and Jacob, hold onto your Mike’s hand through your real father GOD. We Love you tremendously. Friends throughout eternity
Lenny and Nora 🙂
Kyle and I want to extend our most sincere condolences to Felicia and the boys, Mike will be missed! Mike was Kyle’s supervisor at Gold Star Coatings and enjoyed working with him. I have two great memories of Mike, one the fist time I met Mike and Felicia was when they first moved to Asheville; they opened their hearts and new home to employees and co workers at Gold Star, such great hosts, friendly and ready to get adjusted to a new area. My most recent memory was seeing Mike at the wedding of Brian and Karen Moseman, and Mike stopped to talk to me, remembering I was the wife of his ex employee and we took wedding cake out to the boys..a very happy memory.
Felicia, we just learned of Mike’s passing and we are so sorry for this loss. We so enjoyed knowing Mike and you and your boys and the fun we all shared at the baseball field. Our prayers and thoughts will be with your family and wish for God’s comfort and love to envelop all of you. Jayson has great memories of his coach Mike from playing last year on the team with Patrick. Sincerely, Jay, Jessica, Jordan, Jayson and Juliet Smith
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. Mike was very special to me throughout all our years together as friends. I am proud to have been his friend. I hope I can be as thoughful in my life as Mike was to all he knew. Love to you all. Lyndon, Carrie, Megan, and Logan.
Dearest Barker Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mike was a server at my wedding to Tom. I have pictures if you’d like them. I also have pictures from a Bass Lake vacation our family shared with the Barkers.
My words are inadequate, I wanted you to know my heart and prayers go out each of you.
God bless,
Ann
Dear Felicia and Boys, and family,
How very sad I am to hear the news of the passing of your best friend and husband and father from this life to the next.
I know the pain that you all feel. May Jesus hold you close and may he touch you during these difficult days ahead.
I will always remember Mike as such a wonderful neighbor and taking time to teach the boys so much about life. I feel so fortunate to have known Mike, if only for a short time,
Jack and Mike have no more pain now and that helps me so much, knowing he is with our Lord and Saviour. God Bless you all, Jan Whiteman
Your family inspires so many. We love you and will continue to lift you up in our prayers.
Bless you and your family during this sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Felicia, I am so very sorry to hear about the death of your husband, Mike. I just heard about this yesterday from Dee Weaver.
Although, I only met Mike on a couple of occasions, I can tell that he was a wonderful man. I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless You and your family and help you through this sorrowful time.
John
Thinking of you, Felicia, and your family today and those to come… I’m deeply sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you Felicia, your boys, and the rest of your family, as you go through this sad time. I pray for God to mend your broken hearts and fill them with the wonderful memories you have of Mike. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you, Felicia, and your family during this very difficult time.
Felicia, we are praying the Lord’s comfort for you and your family –
Felicia,
My heart and prayers are with you and your family as you trvel through this difficult time in your life.
Felicia,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of pain. I pray that the Lord will keep you strong and shine his light on you and your children.
Felicia, I wish that there was some way that I could give you and the boys some comfort. Your husband (and boys your father) was a great guy…one of my favorite. I still think of times with him and laugh at his sense of humor and fun loving character even during tough times. I hope you know that he made an impact on many peoples lives in a positive manner and will be missed so much. Please try to be strong and lean on your friends and family during this very hard time. It is not fair that he is gone and I grieve for you guys so much.
No more suffering,
No more pain.
Our earthly loss,
Will be Heavens gain.
He was truly a great father, husband, friend, and a supporter of the community. He will be greatly missed by everyone. If we can help you with anything, please let us know. Our prayers are with you and the precious children.
The Higdon Family
Felicia and Family,
My prayers are with you and your family during this time. Look to GOD for strength and he will be with you always.
Jeana Nellons (former employee of Deluxe Information Technology Section)
To the Barker Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I was so sadden by the news, but blessed to have been a part of this family while growing up. Being at the Barker household is one of my favorite memories from N.J. I can’t remember a time that laughter didn’t fill that house. Please know that through his illness I said many prayers and will continue to wish many blessing on his wife and children. Jim & Linda, Matt, and Tracy, I wish I could have seen each of you during this time just to give you a long needed hug. I’m always thinking of you. Thoughts and prayers to everyone.
We are thinking of you and the boys during this most difficult time.
Felicia,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys. Stay strong and may god help to heal your hearts. Bless you all.
Kim
I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have such great memories of Mike and am honored that he was a part of my life.
I’m glad I grew up with Mike, he’s a great person. The last vocal conversation I held with Mike was at the Class Reunion (over a cell phone), I was very pleased to hear from him. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Friends, Darrel.
We’ll miss you, man.
Felicia, We hope the lord and your fiends will be with you and the boys at this hard time and always.
So very sorry to hear of your husband’s death. I have been thinking and praying for you and your family. May God be with you in the days to come.
Kathi Gerber (Kelli’s sister)
Ruth and I are very sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you and your family.
John
Felicia, Drew, Jacob and Patrick;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike was an awesome example to us of courage and character. I was just remembering the Purdue -IU in 2003 game when we got together with ol Fawcy and Stormin Norman. Great Time! We will all miss ol Barks… his smile, his laugh, his positive outlook on everything. We pray that you are comforted in that we know we will absoultely see ol ‘one brow’ again in a much more heavenly place!
Gary and Lana
Family and Friends From Indiana,
What keeps playing over and over in my mind is Joan’s famous late night plea, ‘Michael Joseph John, go to bed! I know a lot of you out there remember being at the Barkers and hearing this. I remember Mike was one of the last ones to bed as a teenager and one of the first to rise in order to keep all of his obligations and service such as mowing lawns, football practice, serving mass, and taking care of his elderly aunts. Based on Mike’s work ethic and willingness to accept responsibilty as a teenager, I’m not surprised to hear that he was a great dad and husband. I remember Mike being a good friend to a close knit group of good guys and gals.
best dad In the world
Felicia and boys,
I have so many awesome memories of Mike and our conversations over the last year that has impacted me for life. His faith is a testimony in my life and I have already shared it with many people and always will. If I can ever help out with anything please ask.(Psalm 23)
My prayers are with you and family.
Kent Fawcett
Felicia, Jacob, Drew & Patrick,
Mike is home! As you face life without him may you enjoy a multitude of sweet memories and the fullness of God’s perfect love. Our prayers are for you during this time. Your friends at Covenant,
Felicia and Family,
Very sorry to hear of your loss. We’ll be keeping you in our thoughts.
Wonderful to see how many lives Mike touched. From knowing him at Purdue, its very true Mike was a pleasant soul who always kept smiling. Take care,
Felicia and boys,
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. May you always remember your dad and husband with a smile and know he’s at peace and watching out for you. He was a great guy to grow up with and I’m blessed to have known him.
Our hearts are saddened by Mike’s passing, grateful for the privalege of knowing him, and inspired by his courage.
Barker Family,
We were saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was alot of fun to be around and we remember a lot of fun and memoriable times in school with him. Your family will be in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Carl, Deb, Jessica and Lindsay Troike
C
Mike will be definately missed and will never be forgotten, Our thoughts go out to you and your family.
Donnie, Christy and Drew Zimmerman
Felicia,
We are praying for you and those great boys. We hope you feel God’s love for you and your family during this time. Although the miles kept us from getting to know Mike as well as we would have liked, the thoughts and memories shared here by his friends and family make it clear that he was a great father and a true friend. Your friends back home will support you any way we can. Randy, Susan, and the boys
Felicia and family,
I am very sorry about Mike, I will miss him very much. Please let me know if there is anything I can do during this hard time.
Bill Kounellas
I was so sorry to hear that Michael lost his battle. I have been praying for him since Joan told me about it, as well as for you and the children. I watched Jim, Therese, Mike and Matt grow up into fine adults. Mike was such a sweet, shy toddler. Always had a smile on his face. And he was a big clothes horse, he enjoyed getting clothes as birthday and Christmas gifts. He is missed. I continue to pray for you and your family as you get through this difficult time and going forward.
Felicia and the boys
We are so sorry to hear that Mike passed away. I wish I could of come down with Amy, but it was not a good time for me… We are going to miss Mike….he was a great person…and fun… Brian said the other day it seemed just like yestruday when he came down there for business…and stayed at your house and the two of them were out on the deck socializing…I know up here in Rockford he will be missed.
P.S. Never forget New Years 1999-2000….
We will be praying for you…. We know Mike is with God now and is at peace.
Love, The McNealy’s
4/23/05,
DEAR FELICIA AND FAMILY,
MARJORIE AND I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO YOU.
WE HAVE KEPT YOU AND MIKE IN OUR
PRAYERS OVER THE LAST MONTHS AND HE
REMAINED ON OUR CHURCH PRAYER LIST.
ALTHOUGH MIKE IS GONE HE HAS LEFT SO MUCH OF HIMSELF WITH YOU. A STRONG AND LOVING FAMILY AND A LEGACY OF COURAGE AND FAITH.
I BELIEVE GOD GIVES US SUCH GOOD GIFTS IN PEOPLE.
PEOPLE FOR US TO BE AROUND EVEN IF FOR A SHORT TIME SO THAT WE MIGHT LEARN FROM THEM— LOVE, MORALS, VALUES, AND CHARACTER. THEY JUST SOMEHOW REFLECT A PURPOSE THAT IS MEANINGFUL, STEADY, AND TRUE.
AND SOMETIMES GOD EVEN ALLOWS THAT PERSON TO SHOW US ABOUT DYING AND DEATH.
I BELIEVE MIKE WAS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE.
I BELIEVE MIKE IS WITH GOD. PERFECT AND WHOLE AND I BELIEVE HE WILL BE NEAR EACH OF YOU IN THE DAYS AND YEARS AHEAD. SOMEONE WHO WILL NOT EASILY BE FORGOTTEN AND WHO’S REFLECTION WILL BE SEEN IN HIS CHILDREN, HIS WIFE, AND TO THE MANY THAT WERE TOUCHED BY HIS LIFE.
LOVE,
SUSAN AND MARJORIE
Felicia,
It’s been a long time since we have seen you but I was fortunate to see Mike last summer in Lafayette. Mike was the same Mike that I remembered in school and college. Mike and I did have some good times together and I will never forget them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the boys. Mike will definately be missed but never forgotten.
With Our Deepest Sympathies
Mike, Laura, Michael, Beth Ann, and Erin Sharkozy
Dear Felicia and boys,
We are so sorry to hear about Mike. You all have been in our prayers for many months now. We will continue to pray for you all.
Chris, Tanya, Cayla, and Luke
Mike was a really great guy. I have great memories of him at the SigEp house at Purdue.
My condolences to to you and your family Felicia.
— eric
It was a blessing to have known this kind, funny man and call him family.
Strength, warmth, and peace to Felicia and the boys. Much love.
Felicia –
I am terribly sorry! My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys. I have been blessed to have known Mike and know he is with God watching you and the boys and guiding you through the rest of your journey! I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.
Felicia, I am so sorry to here about Mike my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for You Jesus, or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing Hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine’?yeah, I can only imagine.’? (2001 MercyMe, Almost There)
Someday, we will all stand together and sing praises before God’s throne. Mike has the privilege of doing that now. The part that stinks is that we will have to wait a little while longer. Please know that you are all lifted in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your pain and sufferings during this time. The Barker family has always been special to our family and Mike was indeed a very special person. My prayers and sympathies are with you, and I hope that God sends you much peace and comfort.
Dear Felicia and the boys:
We are so sorry for your loss of Mike. He was a kind, gentle,and funny man. We wish we were closer to help in these up coming times. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you! Tim and Pam
We found Mike’s smile to be contagious. What a gift to us all! May his spirit live within us and may God allow him to live through us. Our love and prayers go out to Felicia, Jacob, Andrew, and Patrick. Find peace in knowing that others share very deeply in you loss and that we celebrate his life, his freedom, and his company with our Lord.
Dear Felicia and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss–please know that we are thinking of you.
I remember Mike’s easy-going, good natured, positive attitude. He had a great sense of humor. It was a pleasure knowing him. We had many good times at Purdue together and the wedding was memorable.
We are very sorry for losing him, may his influence carry on. He has left an indelible impression on us.
I am grateful that we were able to get everybody together at Gary and Lana Nix’s not long ago. (See picture in Gallery)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Norman, Betsy, Elliott and Ian Schultz
Felicia and family, So sorry—-so many memoriesOur sympathy, prayers and love Alma Jean and Bill Davis
Felicia,
I am vey sorry to hear about Mike. I have so many memories growing up with him and his family as well as some fun times at Purdue. He was always such a great time as you know! My thoughts and prayers are with you now in this time of loss. Know that you must have so many people around you who are eager to be there for you whatever you need.
Mike was a very warm and genuine person. When I moved to North Judson, Mike took me underneath his wing to make me feel part of the community. I feel lucky to have known Mike.
Felicia and family, We have been family friends with the Barkers for all of our lives. We pray for you that during this time of sorrow and loss that your faith and love for each other will sustain you. May your memories be your blesssing.
Felicia and family – My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time. You guys fought the battle with your chins up, and for that I commend you. May you find comfort in the memories. May Gods love surround you. Sincerely, Beth
To the family of Mike Barker:
So sorry to hear about your loss. Since we left Indiana we have lost contact with many people but thank God memories remain. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the strength of God flow through you and bring you comfort and peace.
MIke, Craig, Brad, and Sandy Rowe
My wife Stephanie and I were lucky enough to know Mike and Felicia at Purdue back in the 80’s. We last saw Mike at a home Football game in 2002. We were shocked to hear of his passing. I am sure he will be missed, but the memories of the good times will continue on.
You all continue to be in my prayers–
Sorry about your loss,your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Rob and Renay Hochstedler and family
Barker Family,
We want to share our condolences with you at this time of sorrow. We will keep you in our prayers.
Jack Davis Family
Dear Ms. Barker and family, I am writing you because I read Michael’s obituary and my heart went out to you and your family. I had a 32 yr old son, Chris, who died January 18 of this year from melanoma. He left behind a wife and a one year and three year old son. I know that this has been and will continue to be a very difficult time for you and your family. Even though we don’t know each other, I just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers that God will bless all of you and you will feel His presence. We live with God’s promise that we will see Chris again and that God will provide for his family, which He has.
Felicia & family–
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I am glad that I had the opportunity to cross paths with you all during the time you were in Syracuse. Mike was always so much fun to be around and I know he will also be missed at all the Harrell gatherings for years to come.
Felicia and boys, we’ve learned over the course of our lives that there are many trials and heart aches and that we’ve never been able to make much sense of them unless we see them in the light of God’s love for us at the cross and faith in the Christ of the cross. We’re thankful that you and Mike already know this love of God by which He provides us His peace that surpasses all our understanding and keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Search His word (the Bible) for answers and seek Him with all your heart and you will NOT be disappointed! Please know that we love you and are constantly praying for you all!
I was very saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I remember him and his brothers and sisters ‘running wild’ through the neighbor with my brother and his friends. Just thinking of him brings a smile to my face. While he will be greatly missed by his friends and family, I’m sure that the memories he leaves behind give them comfort.
To Felicia & Boys,
My uncle Mike was a wonderful person. I hadn’t seen him in some time when he came to Las Vegas for the Luau party we were having in September of 03, but it seemed like only a day had passed, he was always so funny, God was he funny, we had such a great time catching up on every thing that has happened to us both since I moved away from North Judson. I remember him beaming with pride as he talked about you and the boys, he was so very proud of having the perfect family that everyone dreams of, a beautiful loving wife that everyone adored and 3 handsome son’s that excelled in everything they did, that he loved playing sports with. He spoke of things they would say and do that just cracked him up and really made him smile!
Felicia, I can’t ever remember a time of seeing you not looking as radiant as ever and always in my mind the picture perfect wife, I said as much to Mike when he was here, he said ‘I know, I am one hellofa lucky guy aren’t I???
Even though his life was short lived, the life he did have was so richly blessed by you, the boys and so many that were lucky enough to have made his accquaintance.
He will truly be missed.
Love,
Tracy
I have known Mike and his family since I was a child.I pray that you are able to turn to God for comfort and know He is there for you. This poem has been a comfort to me and hope it does the same for you: It’s called ‘A Stepping Stone to Life’: ‘ When death brings weeping and the heart is filled with sorrow. It beckons us to seek God as we ask about tomorrow…and in these hours of hurting, we draw closer to believing that even death in God’s hands is not a cause for grieving. It’s a time for joy in knowing death is just a steppingstone to a life that’s Everlasting such as we have never known.’ Our hearts and prayers are with you, and we hope you find peace and healing.
Corky & Margaret (Davis) Christoff and boys
Felicia & Family,
Carol and I are very sad to hear of Mike passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have great memories of Mike at the Sig Ep house. His easy going personality made everyone enjoy being around him. I feel very lucky just to have known him. May God bless you and your family.
Love, Beau and Carol
Dear Felicia & Family,
We were so saddened to receive the news of Mike’s passing. I think the last time I saw you all was at your wedding… I just flipped through pictures of that happy day with Mike Bell (we were both pledge brothers with Mike)… What a time we had trying on all those funny hats! I have a lot of fond memories of Mike, he touched a lot of lives. Take care and God Bless.
– ‘Little Beaker’ and Family.
So sorry to hear about Mike. May God be with you in this time of sorrow.
Dear Felicia,
Jerry & I send our sympathy, love, and prayers to you and your sons. We also extend the same to Joan and family. We will always remember the days when Mike lived in North Judson and when you all would come back to visit. Those days are filled with fond memories of a wonderful family and a happy man named Mike. We will keep you all in our prayers and hearts.
Peace & Prayers,
Dear Barker Family,
It is very hard to know what to say at times like this. But I remember growing up with the Barker family and Mike. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mike will be missed but never forgotton.
Mary Risner
Felicia,
Mike was one of those special guys that everybody loved. I fondly remember chatting with him and yourself at the house. My family will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Bill Sigler
Felicia and family,
We share in your grief at this difficult time. Felicia, I haven’t talked to you in years, but I have such wonderful memories of you and Mike together, and was lucky enough to attend your wedding. I know that you are suffering, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
ITB,
Lee Henderson Oesterling
We can not imagine the loss your feeling right now, just the loss we’re feeling. With Mike growing up with our son Bob, we grew really fond of him. Being one of Bob’s best friends, we have many great memories of his youth. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you. Bob is somewhere between Costa Rica and Nicaragua right now, but we know as soon as he gets the e-mail we sent, he will be in touch. Again, our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Sam, Linda, Bob, Karen, Terry, and Jennifer
Felicia,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was a great guy and we have fond memories of you both as one of the ‘married’ couples at Sig Ep’s. As many have pointed out, when we think of Mike, we think of an easy going guy with a smile always on his face.
It is great to see how many lives that Mike touched. I am sure you draw some comfort from this. Mike was a special person.
I know this has to be a hard time for you and your family. We will be praying for you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you and the boys. I truly mean that.
Bob and Linda Copeland
Dear Barker Family,
You have all been such an inspiration to our family. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim, Stephanie, Nicholas and Tristan Harris
Felicia and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Michael. You have my sympathy. Cancer is a disease that touches everyone. I know how hard dealing with the disease has been for you and am sorry. My Father-in-law died in January and we took care of him until the end. My mother has been fighting ovarian cancer for six years. I can not image how hard it would be to lose my husband. I have three girls and will think of you and your boys frequently. You will be in my prayers.
Your Delta Gamma Sister
Jill Ralph Sensmeier
Felicia, and Family- You have our thoughts and prayers and our sincere sympathy. Michael’s battle is over and another solider has gone home. If we can be of any help here in Indiana, just let us know, Doug and Cindy Vessely
Uncle Mike, you were an amazing man, and it’s sad that you’re gone, although we know you’re in a better place.
Aunt Felicia and the boys, you’re in my prayers and thoughts always, and I miss you guys.
As former classmates, we were startled to hear of Mike’s passing. He will be remembered with fond memories of our younger days. Time sent us our separate ways, but it will never make us forget the good person he truly was. As friends and former classmates, we offer our deepest sympathy. Mike will live on in our hearts forever.