Wilmer “Mike” Leroy Michel of Hays, Kansas, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Homestead Assisted Living in Hays at the age of 93.
He was born April 20, 1926, to George and Alvina (Reinhardt) Michel at the family farmstead in Russell County Kansas. He attended country school until 8th grade then attended Russell HS graduating in 1944. After helping his Dad with wheat harvest, he left for World War 11 serving in the Army in the Philippines and Japan. He was married to Dora Lee Fern (Dumler) on June 8, 1947, in Russell.
After returning and getting married, Wilmer had several different jobs including working on the family farm, oil field work, selling cars and working for Palmer Oil Co. in Russell until moving his family to Norcatur, KS on September 5, 1950. On September 11, 1950, he was appointed distributor for Standard Oil Co. doing business as Michel Gas Co. It was later changed to Michel Oil and Gas, Inc.
He said that was one of the best times of his life raising his family, having a job that he enjoyed, and serving the people of the Norcatur area. He sold his business to his son-in-law in 1986 and then moved to Hays in 1987. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hays and the Norcatur Methodist Church.
Wilmer enjoyed doing yard work; spending time at the lake with family; loving, playing with and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow; and exploring the US, Canada, and Mexico with Dora in their RV. For almost 2 years he resided at Homestead which was a blessing to him to be surrounded by such wonderful, loving people.
He is survived by four daughters: Connie O’Hare (Roger) of Grove, OK; Vicky Showman (Randy) of Dora, MO; Karen Bailey (Chris) of Jennings, KS; and Cathy Pfeifer (Galen) of Hays, KS; Grandchildren: Patrick (Wendy) O’Hare, Michel (Jennifer) O’Hare, Kelly Showman, Derek Showman, Marcus Showman, Danielle (Kurt) Weidauer, Andrea (Gabe) Bromm, Denton (Stephanie) Bailey, Ryan (Sarah) Pfeifer, Aaron (Brendan) Pfeifer, Taylor (Hannah) Pfeifer, Justin Pfeifer. Great grandchildren: Connor O’Hare, Landon O’Hare, Kaden O’Hare, Evan (Megan) Gronau, Avery Gronau, Andrew Showman, Ethan Showman, Joslyn Showman, Paisley Showman, Will Weidauer, Isabelle Weidauer, Brody Bromm, Layne Bromm, Wyatt Bromm, Scarlett Bailey, Adelyn Bailey, Sophia Pfeifer, Miles Pfeifer, Jase Pfeifer, Addie Pfeifer, a great grandchild due in September, and great-great grandchild Maggie Gronau.
In addition to his parents, Wilmer was preceded in death by his wife Dora Lee of 61 years, infant son Steven Leroy, brothers Paul, Leon and Donald, and one sister Esther.
Graveside Services will be held at a later date in Norcatur, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Homestead Assisted Living of Hays, and to the Norcatur Cemetery/Avenue of Flags.
Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected].