Michael Paul Wesley

Michael Paul Wesley, 73, passed away peacefully at his home on March 24, 2024, in the comfort and love of his family. He was born on December 23, 1950, in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Donald Lynn and Melba Mae (Haas). He was much loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Michael grew up in Hartland, Michigan and was highly regarded for his intelligence, athleticism, and kind nature. He distinguished himself in the classroom, on the football field and most notably on the baseball diamond where, as a quick-gloved, fast ball-release shortstop he could effortlessly turn the double play. Slight of stature, he was a deceptive switch hitter who drilled the ball with league leading power and earned respect, awards and the admiration of teammates and opponents alike. In his spare time, Mike amassed sizable collections of baseball cards, stamps, and vinyl records. Michael also built a Soapbox Derby with the sponsorship and guidance of his uncle Robert Haas and made a respectable showing on the Soap Box Derby hill near Outer Drive in Detroit. And although he finished 9ththat day, which was not high enough to compete in the Nationals in Akron, Ohio, he did earn a trip to the Finals as a delegate, a road-trip which the entire family thoroughly enjoyed.
During the gloom of winter, Mike took up bowling and quickly mastered that sport as well, rolling a perfect 300 game while also notching an Ann Arbor league championship along the way. He considered himself a sports enthusiast, loving a variety of sports, but was especially passionate about Michigan football.
After graduation, Mike was offered a Computer Operator position at Citizens Insurance in Howell, Michigan which led to his life-long love and passion for computers and programming. Drafted by the US Army and with his technical background, after Basic Training he was sent directly to one of the country's top computing centers. After his honorable discharge, he went to work for Xerox/UMI in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he worked as Programmer and System Analyst for many years. During the mid-70s, in addition to his role at Xerox/UMI, you could find him at home programming some of the first microcomputers that came into existence to include one of the first Apple Computers ever sold in Ann Arbor. Mike was also a lover of music and so he taught himself how to create music using MIDI programming. This was his current passion at the time of his death. Mike went on to establish his own computer systems company in the late 1990s, a business that is still in operation today.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Melba, and his loving wife Sherryl Jackson. He is survived by brothers Gary (Diana), Jim, Jeff, Steve, sisters Kay (Terry) Olvin and Lori Whitaker, and his Godfather Robert Haas and wife Lorraine. He also leaves behind his beloved stepchildren Stephanie and Michael Dascola along with his precious step grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorial plans have not yet been finalized.
Arrangements have been made by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes – MacDonald's Chapel. 315 N. Michigan Ave. Howell, MI 48843. 517-546-2800