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Mike Walters
Richard Michael Walters, known as Mike by family and friends, passed peacefully from this life to the next at home on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, after a long illness, surrounded by the love of his family.
Mike was born on November 16, 1942, in Dayton, Ohio, to Richard and Lucile (Monger) Walters. He attended Dayton schools and graduated in 1961 from Oakwood High School, where he participated in all sports, excelling in football. He served his country in the United States Army from 1964-1970.
Mike met his soulmate and best friend, Joyce Kelvington, in Springfield, Ohio, and they were married July 2, 1971. Their union lasted 53 years and was an example of enduring love and companionship. Mike’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to family, his adventurous spirit, and his genuine love for life.
Mike was a man of diverse talents, a jack-of-all-trades who wore many hats throughout his life. He served as a volunteer firefighter in Ohio, served as a reserve sheriff deputy for the Mason County Sheriff’s Office for several years, sold insurance, worked as a manager in sporting goods, was an automotive service writer at Urka Auto Center, worked part-time at the West Shore Community College Recreation Center, and, after receiving his certification in corrections at WSCC, worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections, retiring in 2006. He approached each endeavor with the same diligence and dedication that defined his character.
Ludington held a special place in Mike’s heart. From his youth, he traveled there every summer, eventually purchasing cottages with his family and ultimately making it his permanent home in 1988. His hobbies reflected his zest for life – baseball, football, golf, boating on Hamlin Lake and travel. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Ohio State University football, always expressing his passion for the game.
Mike’s love for his family was boundless, and he poured his heart and soul into nurturing and supporting them. He sadly leaves behind his children Sheila Dryer, Patrick Walters, Michelle (Matt) Kmiecik, and Cindi (Cy) Sult; his grandchildren Davis (Jill), Austin (Jos), Christian, Isabelle, Zechariah, Elijah (Liz), Gage, Payten, Lily, Erin, Shelby, Olivia and Tyler; his great-granddaughter Nellie; his sister-in-law Harriett Walters; his brother in-law Jim (Diane) Kelvington; nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless others whose lives he touched. He will be missed tremendously by them all.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Lucile Walters; his father-in-law and mother-in-law James and Hattie Kelvington; and his brother William Walters.
Mike’s legacy is one of unwavering love, infectious joking, but mostly a deep commitment to family and friends. He taught his family the importance of cherishing every moment, of being present for those they love, and of always making sure they knew how much they were cared for.
Funeral services to celebrate Mike’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2024, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 121 N. Nelson Road, Ludington, with Pastor Ryan White officiating. Interment will be in South Victory Cemetery, Victory Township. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, Ludington, and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of services.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
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