George Richard Michael

George Richard Michael, Colonel, USAR, A 68 year resident of Upper Arlington, died at home at age 101 on August 20, 2021. He was born May 2, 1920 at Mt Carmel Hospital to Jesse P. and Mary E. Michael. He was a graduate of Columbus North High School, class “38”. He graduated from Ohio State University class”42”, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, Romophos (sophomore Mens’ Honorary) and Bucket and Dipper (Junior Mens’ Honorary) In May 1942 he received a commission as a second Lieutenant, US Army. During WWII he served 44 months active duty, 30 months in North Africa, Sicily and the entire Italian campaign where he landed on D Day September 9, 1943, the first allied beach landing in fortress Europe. He was active in the Army Reserve affairs at Old Fort Hayes, Ohio, for many years. He retired as a Colonel in 1972. In October 1946, he married college sweetheart Nancy Howe Michael of Upper Arlington. They raised 3 children in a happy marriage, but in 1979 when she was just 56, she was killed in a tragic auto accident just two blocks from home on Riverside Dr. During his working years, was active in the insurance business, both life and general. He was a member of The Sons of the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin Chapter; The Old North High Mens Club; The American Legion, Post 614; The Columbus Branch of the English Speaking Union; and the Victory Services Club of London, England. He was a 65 year member of St Mark's Episcopal Church, where he sang in the choir and served on the vestry. He was a founding member of the unique Canterbury Village of Upper Arlington and the last surviving original resident.  George is survived by his son, David R Michael, Worthington OH; daughter, Diane Nancy Gilbert (Keith R) Montgomery County OH; and Douglas J Michael (Sue O’Donnell) Bloomsburg PA. He is survived by his 4 grandchildren, Jesse Gilbert, Catherine Oakley, Carolyn Michael and Billie Rae Michael. He has 4 great grandchildren Brody, Taylor, Ava and Mason. George is survived by his good friend Bob Smithberger, RN. He was predeceased by his wife Nancy of 34 years, parents and sister, Lucille V. Kumnick of Wilmington, Delaware. George was cremated. A graveside funeral service with military honors will be held at Union Cemetery, Columbus OH on October 5, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. George will be buried next to Nancy. Immediately following, a memorial service and lunch will be at his Canterbury residence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in George’s name may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 2151 Dorset Rd, UA, OH 43221. Online condolences can be sent to Deyo-Davis Funeral Home at www.deyodavis.com. Please note, George wrote this obituary. It is lengthy and detailed but it was what he wrote, so we decided not to change it. George had an amazing life. He was well loved and will be missed.

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