Herman Michael

Herman Lavier "Mike" Michael, Jr., 88, died on January 24, 2014, at Dennett Road Manor Nursing Home in Oakland, Maryland. Born on September 3, 1925 in Frederick, Maryland, he was the son of the late Herman Lavier Michael, Sr. and May Carty Michael. Michael, "Brother," as he was nicknamed in his youth, grew up on West College Terrace. His fondest childhood memories and most often told stories included ice skating on Culler Lake and biking to and from Braddock Heights. After graduating from Frederick High School in 1943, Michael enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. During his three years of service in the South Pacific arena of WWII, he was trained on early radar devices, which advanced his later career. After his first enlistment, he married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Akers Michael, surviving, on June 22, 1946. They moved to Durham, NC where he attended Duke University School of Engineering on the GI Bill. After graduation, they moved to Biloxi, MS. where he worked at Keesler Air Force Base. He reenlisted for the Korean War, and finally settled in Fairfax, VA, for 53 years, working for numerous Communications companies, requiring travel all over the world. He retired in 1989 to enjoy traveling with his beloved family. He returned to the Frederick area in 2007, where he and Betty lived independently with their son and family until he and Betty moved into Dennett Manor in April, 2013.

He survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Betty Akers Michael. Also surviving are daughter Holly Hosch and husband Dave, of Jacksonville, FL, and son Bruce Michael and wife, Debbie, of Mount Airy, MD. Grandchildren include Heather Michael Cramer (Rob), Pittsburgh, PA; Kellie Michael Ryan (Mike), Monticello, WI; Courtney Hosch Jennings (Aaron), Dana Point, CA; Taylor Michael, Mt. Airy, MD; and Roman Michael, Mt. Airy, MD. Seven great-grand children include Jack Ryan, Abigail Ryan, Iris Ryan, Opal Ryan, Olive Cramer, Marlowe Cramer, and Cooper Jennings. He also leaves behind two nephews, Michael Rhoades, and wife, Karen; and Jamie Rhoades, and wife Jean. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Rhoades, in 1977 and a brother-in-law, Clinton Rhoades, in 1994.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. The Burdock-Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., Oakland is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of one's choice.

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