Matthew Michaels
December 25, 1919 - January 15, 2007

Matthew "Mack" Michaels, 87, died at 11:58 p.m. on Monday at Jasper Memorial Hospital. Born December 25, 1919 he was the son of Louis and Frances (Matthews) Michaels. He attended St. Peter grade school and was a 1938 graduate of Montgomery High School and a graduate of Indiana University. He was a member of St Simon Catholic Church, Washington American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. He entered the U.S. Air Corps (known as the Air Force today) in March 1942 and was honorably discharged from active duty in January 1946. He continued his military service in the Reserves from 1949 to 1970. After 28 years total service, he retired as a Major. He served as a bombardier with the 401st Squadron, 91st Group, Eighth Air Force in England. During WWII while on a bombing mission over Germany, the crew was shot down and captured on April 17, 1943 in Sagan, Germany. On April 29, 1945, two years and 12 days later, he was released. After leaving active service he worked for the Indiana State Board of Accounts for 36 years before retiring. He is survived by his wife, Catherine (O'Brian) Michaels, whom he married February 15, 1947, a brother; Omer Michaels of Fort Wayne, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, five brothers, and two sisters. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Simon Catholic Church with Father Gordon Mann as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Peter Cemetery in Montgomery with military graveside rites conducted by the Washington American Legion and VFW. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Ed Lee Mortuary with a wake service at 4 p.m. and K of C rosary at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Catholic Endowment Fund. Condolences may be made online at edleemortuary.com.

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