Michael Andrew Beaver, 65, of rural Columbia City, died at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, at his home. He had been in failing health.

He was born Oct. 5, 1949, in Kokomo, a son of Lawrence E. and Alice Josephine (Ulerich) Beaver. His formative years were spent in Kokomo where he graduated from Kokomo High School with the class of 1967.

On Aug. 27, 1969 he was inducted into the U.S. Army. He served in Korea and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged March 31, 1971.

On April 13, 1968 he was united in marriage to Dianne Wilson. They made their home in Young America, and later Galveston. In 1988, they moved to rural Columbia City. He began his work career at Continental Steel in Kokomo in 1968 until the plant closure in 1986. He then moved to Slater Steel now known as Valbruna, Fort Wayne where he worked as an Industrial Electrician. He was well liked by his friends and colleagues. He often had cook-outs and brought snacks to his co-workers. A family man, he was the friend and peacekeeper to his siblings and took his father to dinner every Sunday. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing for bass and hunting for small game and deer.

He was a member of American Legion Post 98 and the NRA.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years: Dianne; his father: Lawrence E. Beaver, South Whitley; siblings: Lawrence E. (Gloria) Beaver Jr., Kokomo; Patricia Lundburge, Galveston; Sarah Beaver, South Whitley; and Robert Beaver, Larwill. He was preceded in death by a son: Michael Andrew Beaver II; his mother: Josephine Beaver; and two half-brothers: John Spradling; and Gene Spradling.

He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Andrew Beaver, II; his mother, Josephine Beaver and two half-brothers, John Spradling and Gene Spradling.

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial will be in the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the funeral home.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Whitley County.