Michael S. Barhite

Michael Steven Barhite, 63, of Maumee, died on Sat., January 21, 2017, after a yearlong battle that included an undiagnosed neurological condition that ravaged his body after he was declared cancer free. He valiantly persevered, even as he lost the ability to walk, talk and use his hands. His journey included stays and treatments at the University of Toledo Medical Center, the Cleveland Clinic, Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg and the BG Care Center. His wife and girls held his hand, fed him meals and comforted a man who was not used to being dependent. He was strong, independent and often likened to MacGyver because he could fix anything. Mike was born Sept. 2, 1953, in Toledo to Delbert and Florence Barhite, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Woodward High School in 1971 and attended The University of Toledo for electrical engineering. He began dating his future wife, Karen (Buchholz) Barhite, a fellow Polar Bear, in 1970. They were married in 1975 and renewed their vows on their 40th anniversary on Sept. 20, 2015. Mike planned this ceremony at the family’s longtime place of worship, Resurrection Lutheran Church. An ultimate family man, Mike was happy staying home or going for a Sunday drive and dinner with his wife and girls. While he was a tall and muscular man whose outward appearance intimidated many of the neighborhood kids, he was a big softie and, eventually, became a lover of all cats, especially his beloved Suzie. Mike enjoyed taking trips with his wife, landscaping and working in his shed. He loved to fish and be outdoors. He was the ultimate handyman — fixing cars and helping neighbors. Above all else, Mike was known for being the hardest of workers. At the age of 17, he entered the tire business and worked for a variety of companies for the next 40 years, including World Tire and Ziegler Tire, where he was the manager. He owned MK Tire Service, and serviced Toledo Public Schools and Springfield Local Schools, among others, for 13 years. In 2012, he began a new career as a Lucas County corrections officer because his knees could no longer sustain the physical demands of the tire business. One of the oldest officers, he was one of the most respected and was often called “John Wayne” by his colleagues and the jail inmates. He would work countless hours of overtime, even when he unknowingly had double pneumonia before being diagnosed with lung cancer on Jan. 18, 2016. Besides his full-time work, Mike never shied away from supporting his family with side jobs. In particular, he delivered the Toledo Free Press newspaper for seven years. Michael is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughters, Brandi Barhite and son-in-law Dorian Boggs who were expecting Mike’s first grandchild in February; Brittany Barhite; and Brianne Black and son-in-law, Mike Black. Also surviving are his brothers, Delbert Barhite (Janel) and Larry Barhite; sisters, Patricia Anaszewicz (Ron), Carolyn Applegate (James) and Mary Baum (Mike). Mike also leaves behind a special brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Kim Cousino and their sons, Nathan and Derek. Kim became an integral part of Mike’s care, and we thank her. We also want to express gratitude to the Dana Cancer Center and the Lucas County Corrections Center. Family and friends will be received at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant St., Maumee, on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. A celebration of Mike’s life will be hosted on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Roth Memorial Cemetery in Monclova Township. The family asks that those wishing to make donations consider Paws and Whiskers, 32 Hillwyck Drive, Toledo, OH, 43615. We know Mike is in heaven hugging Simba and Frankie and drinking a cup of black coffee. We will all be reunited someday. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.