Melvin W. Michael

Melvin W. Michael

Melvin W. Michael, 86, Topeka, died Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004, at his home. He had a heart attack. He was born May 13, 1918, in Perry, the son of Arthur T. and Mary Ellen Raines Michael. He graduated from Seaman High School and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II with the 453rd Bomb Group in England. Mr. Michael was a truck driver for Keebler for 28 years before retiring in 1980. He was in the grocery business for 12 years before going to work for Keebler. Mr. Michael was a member of Topeka North Post No. 400 of the American Legion, Moose Lodge and Philip Billard Post No. 1650 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He married Eleanor J. Holliday on Aug. 8, 1940, in Sabetha. She survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Patricia J. Thornburg, Topeka; a daughter-in-law, Linda L. Michael, Wichita; a niece, Eleanor J. Burris, and her husband, Gene, Topeka; grandchildren, Timothy I. Michael, and his wife, Joy, and Jeremey C. Michael, all of Wichita, Melissa K. Davidso n, and her husband, Dave, in Colorado, and Renea Hager, and her husband, Chad, Auburn; and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Michael was preceded in death by a son, John A. Michael, in 1998. A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 N.W. Independence. Burial with military graveside services conducted by Topeka North Post No. 400 of the American Legion will be in Rochester Cemetery. Mr. Michael will lie in state after 3 p.m. today at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.penwellgabel.com .