Michael S. "Papa Mike" Minter

Michael S. Minter, lovingly known as "Papa Mike," age 80, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away on February 2, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

Born on September 7, 1945, Michael was the son of the late Thelma and Coleman Minter. He was a devoted father to Christopher Michael Minter and Amanda Minter (Rich) Pistner, and a proud and loving Papa Mike to Hayden Minter, Audrey Minter, Jackson Pistner, Caroline Pistner, and Mary Kate Pistner. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his siblings, Tom Minter and Collette Meadows.

Michael was a proud member of the Woodrow Wilson High School Hall of Fame Basketball Team of 1962. He attended Riverside Military Academy and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1963. He later attended West Virginia University and remained a lifelong and passionate Mountaineer fan.

He was drafted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged as a disabled veteran. Following his military service, he married the mother of his children, Karen Hodel, in 1968. Michael spent his professional career in sales and was the owner of a telephone company for 18 years.

In retirement, Michael devoted his time and heart to his grandchildren, studying and writing about Christianity, and cheering on the West Virginia Mountaineers. He found great joy in teaching his grandchildren about his faith, his love for God, and the values that guided his life. Of all his accomplishments and titles, his favorite by far was "Papa Mike."

Michael had a large love of life and brought so much joy and laughter to all who knew him. He is best described in the following letter he wanted shared that his grandson had written.

Michael will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

All services will be private.

In memory of Michael, donations may be made in his name to the Washington City Mission, 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301.

Dear Papa Mike:

In English class, we're reading a memoir titled Tuesdays with Morrie. The book is about a sportswriter who reconnects with his old college professor, who is dying of ALS. As the two reunite, we see how much they truly mean to each other. Our teacher asked us to choose someone special in our lives to write to, and the moment she gave us the assignment, there was absolutely no hesitation in my mind-I knew I would write to you.

Throughout my life, you've been more than just a grandfather-you've been my best friend. I still remember when you'd visit from Lexington and bring me a toy car, and we'd play basketball on the hoop in the basement. In the mornings, we'd go to McDonald's for breakfast. After you moved here to be closer to us, our bond only grew stronger. We spent countless hours together going to parks, restaurants, movie theaters, or just driving around. There was no better feeling than coming home from school and seeing you ready to head out to a West Virginia basketball game. Those times were truly special-yes, even the time you almost left without me in the parking lot! One of my favorite traditions was spending a few days with you at Flat Top Lake for three summers in a row. You somehow made painting a gigantic deck and taking endless trips to Lowe's a blast. Now, on fall Saturdays, I love coming down to your house to watch West Virginia football games. I have so many more memories I could talk about for hours, but I can only fit so much into this letter.

Outside of my parents, no one has had a greater influence on my life than you. I've picked up so much from you without even realizing it. When I go on dates or hang out with friends, I often repeat your classic one-liners to the waiter or waitress-like "A good vet could still save that" or "How fast can you run?" when the check comes. You gave me the confidence to speak up, whether it was ordering from the back window in a drive-thru or flagging down a server for a Dr. Pepper refill. Because of you, I'm the one who leads the group when it comes to talking to strangers. Most importantly, you've helped shape my faith. Your stories and lessons have shown me the love of Jesus and what it means to be a good Christian. You've inspired me to build a life full of love, and one day I hope to be the kind of grandfather you are-deeply involved and endlessly loving. Without you in my life, I wouldn't be anywhere close to the person I am today. You've always been my best friend, and you always will be. I honestly don't know what I'll do one day when you're not here. Just thinking about it is hard, because you've been such a constant source of joy, wisdom, and comfort in my life. But when that day does come, I promise I'll carry you with me-everywhere I go. I'll tell your stories, share your jokes, and pass down all the little things that made you, you, to the people I love. I'll make sure the world remembers the kind, funny, loving man who meant so much to me. I'm not great at expressing emotions, and I know I struggle to say how much someone means to me, especially in person-but I hope this letter shows you just how much I care and how deeply I love you. Having you in my life has been the greatest gift, and I'm so thankful for all the love, laughter, and memories we've shared. I can't wait to make even more together.

With love,

Jackson Pistner