Donald Eugene Michael

Donald Eugene Michael, 85 years old, passed away June 27, 2013.

Don was born to Walter and Vera Michael in Loretto, Nebraska on August 5, 1927. He served in the US Air Force during WWII. After completing his service, he met his wife, Ella Hope Lane, in Superior, Nebraska and they were married June 7, 1949. Don graduated from Harding University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and began his career as a minister for the Church of Christ. He preached in Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, California and, for the last 46 years, in Grants Pass. Don preached his last sermon on June 23, 2013.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ella Hope; his two sisters Karen of Kearney, Nebraska and Kay of Lincoln, Nebraska; a brother Gary of Nashville, Tennessee; his daughter and son-in-law Donna and James Bryan of Stockton, California; sons and daughters-in-law Kevin and Beverly Michael of Grants Pass, Jerry and Alisa Michael of Wenatchee, Washington and Jeff and Kristin Michael of Grants Pass; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and two brothers.

Don was a tirelessly hard worker who dedicated his life to serving God. He worked as a missionary twice in Albania and also in New Mexico, working with the Navajo Indians to establish a mission. He started church Bible camps for teens in Marshalltown, Iowa, Fremont, Nebraska and Cortez, Colorado. He was instrumental in establishing a Christian College in York, Nebraska. Don semi-retired in 1991 but continued his ministry at other Churches of Christ as needed, until his death.

He enjoyed working in his garden and spending time with his family. In his own words: “I have lived a life filled with both joy and sorrow. The Lord has truly blessed us!”

Services will be held July 13 at 2 pm at The Savage Street Church of Christ, 220 NE Savage St., Grants Pass.