Michael Lewis Warthman

LANCASTER: Michael Lewis Warthman, 62, of Lancaster, went to his eternal home peacefully on March 14, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 3, 1951 in Lancaster.

Mike graduated from Millersport High School in 1969 and from Ohio University with a Bachelors in Fine Arts. Mike performed in numerous theater plays including "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown", "Don't Drink the Water", "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "The Odd Couple". Mike retired from Buckeye Ranch in 2008. He was recognized for his outstanding work performance and ethics which included a state recognized prestigious award. Mike enjoyed cheering on The Ohio State football and basketball teams. People who crossed paths with Mike through the years would describe him as selfless with a heart of gold. His dynamic personality shined through with joy, love of life and an outstanding sense of humor. Mike used these attributes to help him cope with the pain and struggles from his battle with kidney disease. His number one priority all through his life and even during his years of struggle was to continue to care for his family. Mike was an inspiration to his family as he bravely dealt with his health issues and he continued to set goals to improve his quality of life. His courage, strength, and selfless love for others are what Mike will most be remembered for.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Lewis and Jean Ann (Benson) Warthman.

Mike is survived by his wife of 28 years, Mary Beth (Hunter) Warthman; daughter, Kellie Warthman; son, Sean (Mary) Warthman; two grandchildren, Dylan and Emma, who were the light of Grandpa's eyes; sisters, Mary Lu (John) Bowman and Lisa (Joe)Sandbrink; brother, Gregg (Dawn) Warthman; special uncles, Jerry (Ginny) Benson and Bob (Rosie) Benson and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am in the Halteman-Fett & Dyer Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Bush officiating. Burial will follow in Betzer Cemetery, Carroll. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Monday and from 10-11 am Tuesday in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Millersport Covenant Church, 11544 Summerland Beach Rd., Millersport, OH 43046 in Mike's memory. Online condolences may be made at www.haltemanfettdyer.com.

A special thanks to the staff and physicians at Colonnade Medical Group, Hocking Hills Dialysis, FairHoPe Hospice and especially Mike's Lanfair family.

Mike is at his best home ever walking the streets of gold.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lancaster Eagle-Gazette on Mar. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Warthman

36 Entries

Sharon Conkle

March 21, 2014

Mary I was sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Rose Shaver

March 21, 2014

Lisa and Greg, So sorry to hear of Mike passing away. Our family has all of you guys in our thoughts and prayers. Lucy Sara Rose Brenda Debbie and Patty. He was one of a kind. Rosie

Mary (Syrus) Sherrard

March 21, 2014

Lisa & Family - So sorry to hear bout the loss of your brother. Know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Another Laker lost but an Angel gained to watch over us all.

Judy Zollinger

March 19, 2014

Mary Lou, Lisa and Greg, So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I enjoyed our visits while he was at Lanfair and wish I could have visited more often. He will always be remembered as "Whip" during our school years and all the fun we had. Sorry I didn't make it to visitation but I've been out of town. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Barbara Lynch Ramsey

March 18, 2014

I am greatly saddened by Mike's passing. He was a dear. Knew him from OUL theatre so many yrs ago. Could make you feel warm and happy by his charm and humor. A tremendous loss to all who ever knew him. RIP, Mike.

March 18, 2014

Mary, Kellie and Sean,
We were so sorry to learn of Mike's passing. We think so much of all of you and will be in touch. Take care. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob, Cindy, Taylor and Sam Clark

March 18, 2014

Mary Lou and family. I am so sorry to see the loss of your brother Michael. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, his wife and children,
Ruby Bush
Lancaster, Ohio

March 18, 2014

My condolences to Mike's wife and family. I graduated with Mike and during those years we spent together in school, he was always a positive influence and such an energetic person to be around. What a great sense of humor and that laugh he had. He will be sorely missed.

My love and prayers to the family,

Bobbie Raines Heidel
Chattanooga, TN

Carol (Clark) Frear

March 17, 2014

I remember Mike from my childhood and him being one of my Dad's (John Clark) great friends. He always had a smile on his face and made you feel at home in his presence. He will be greatly missed.

Corey Jasper

March 17, 2014

I am an STNA at the Lanfair Center. I really enjoyed taking care of Michael. He will be sorely missed by me and the rest of his Lanfair Family.

God Bless

Roseanna Ross

March 17, 2014

Mike and I were good friends from those early days at the Lancaster Campus; we were both in the first play directed there by Jeff Wagner—“The Diary of Ann Frank”—and later in the play “Godspell.” We remained friends throughout the years. Although I had sadly lost contact with him in the most recent times, he was often in my thoughts as I recalled with fondness the hours we spent together. Besides his wonderful spirit and humor, I could always count on him to be honest and straightforward. He was one of the most authentic persons I knew, a man of integrity who felt and cared deeply. My deepest sympathy and heart-felt condolences to his family and friends.

March 17, 2014

Mary Lu, and family;
I was so sorry to hear about Mikes passing away. He was an inspiration to us all with his courage and determination. As we both know, he is now pain free and visiting with Mom and Dad, in a place we are all excited about spending eternity. May God be with you all in this time of mourning.

Les and Cindy Smith

March 17, 2014

A great friend, a great person. He will be remembered fondly. Hoping his family has the help they need to get through the rough spots.

Jeff Parkinson and family

Robert & Rose Benson

March 17, 2014

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Carla Kemmerer Crosby

March 17, 2014

Greg and Dawn I am so sorry for your loss know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Carla

Josh Warthman

March 16, 2014

I love you Uncle Mike, until we meet again, your nephew.

Karen (Friebis) Schurr

March 16, 2014

Mary Lu and Greg, We're so sorry for your loss of dear, Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all his family and friendss. Will always fondly remember his smile and humor. Rest in Peace, Whip.

Angie

March 16, 2014

You fought a great fight Michael, may you rest in peace.

Stacy Hill

March 16, 2014

Mary Lu, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stacy

Lori Chaney

March 16, 2014

Mary and family, so sorry for your loss.you are in my prayers.

March 16, 2014

Dear Mary, Sean and Kellie,
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mrs. Barby Williams
(former math teacher at Ewing)

Beth and Jamie Brumbaugh

March 16, 2014

Mary, Lisa, and Mary Lu and the rest of your family, Know that we are sending our deepest sympathies and love to each of you. May God give you peace and comfort.

Steve & Connie Keller

March 16, 2014

I will miss WHIP, we shared many old memory's, my he rest in peace

Marcy Boyer

March 16, 2014

So sorry to hear of the loss of one of your loved ones Mary Lu and Mary and families.

John Clark

March 16, 2014

May God take you to His heavenly home and give your family the peace of knowing you are with Him. I will always remember the memories we shared.

Beckie Dupler-diley

March 16, 2014

So sorry for this loss to your family. He was always so nice and funny. Prayers and hugs to you all.

March 16, 2014

Blessings to the family. Mike was a friend and classmate at Millersport High. He brought a smile to everyone he met.

Kris Koski Kain, Mitchellville, Iowa

Harold & Jane Blauser

March 16, 2014

Sorry for the loss of Mike he was a very Special person , May God Bless you all. Bucky says he will miss his friend and classmate.. Love You all...?

March 16, 2014

I met Mike once and he had me rolling with laughter. Sorry his great
personality will not be with us. Sorry for families loss.

Keith Stought

March 16, 2014

Mike had that type of warm personality you just wanted to be with. His personal presentation and quick wit was unmatched.. I always felt at ease with his presence. Many will miss him, but the memories he created
will always be with us. God gives us many fine people, and Mike was one of them. Keith Stought Baltimore ohio

Craig Ramsay

March 16, 2014

So sorry... Mike and I were fellow OU Bobcats and just Monday had been talking MAC basketball and sports as we always did...rest in peace brother-- I'll miss you.

Jon and Judi Boyd

March 15, 2014

So very sorry for your loss. Apparently Mike fought the good fight and now he is with his Mom and Dad watching over all of you.

Candi Bish

March 15, 2014

Mike was a very special man with only being around him a few times I could see the love in his eyes for his family, My thoughts are with your Mary,Sean, and Kelly,

Jan Shearer

March 15, 2014

So sorry to hear of your loss, but I pray you are comforted by God's Peace that passes all our understanding...

Patti Beavers-Mumford

March 15, 2014

So sorry for the loss of Mike. May your memories and love in your heart bring you peace during this time. With deepest sympathy.

March 15, 2014

Lisa and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. But we all know he is happy now. God has gave us another angel to watch over us. Rest in peace Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless you..
Phil & Brenda George

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