Michael Lee Catlin

Michael Lee Catlin passed into God's hands on Saturday, April 24, 2021. He passed away at his home and was surrounded by loved ones. He was 75 years old.

Mike, as he was known, was the son of Gilbert Nathan Catlin and Lila Belle Geeting. He was born in Rushville, IN on Nov. 4, 1945, but he spent most of his early years in Huntington, IN, which he always considered to be home. He attended Huntington High School, and at the age of 17 he left home to join the United States Navy. Mike was in the Navy for 22 years and fought in the Vietnam War. Over the course of his career he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, the Humanitarian Service Medal, five Good Conduct Awards, the Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Devices, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He reached the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (BTCM) before retiring. He subsequently worked as a power controller at the Charleston Naval Shipyard and, when the base was closed, he had the honor of blowing the final whistle. He then worked at the Fort Stewart Army Base until he retired from civil service. He was a proud member of the American Legion, Tin Can Sailors, and the Disabled American Veterans. 

Mike's Navy career took him all over the world, and when he was stationed in Charleston, SC he met his wife, Joyce Barrs. They were married for over 48 years and had a son, Daniel (Danny) Alge, and two fur children, Angel (deceased) and Princess. All who met Mike knew that he was a proud and devoted father to his son. He was also a proud and loving grandfather to Caitlin and Evelynn Alge and loved their mother, Amy Alge. Mike was known for being the biggest coffee drinker around and for his love of golf. He also enjoyed fishing and, once in a while, a tenderloin sandwich. Although he had not been attending church, he had made peace with God and considered himself to be a Christian.

Mike will be greatly missed by his loved ones. In addition to his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters, Mike leaves behind two brothers, Nate Catlin (Rushville) and Barry Catlin (Huntington), and two sisters, Dixie Hill (Huntington) and Pam Powell (Huntington), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dawn Marie Catlin.

Visitation will be from 10 am - 12 pm Monday, May 3, 2021 at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 12 pm Monday, May 3, 2021 at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Pastor Zin Hess officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Huntington.

Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com.

Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Michael L. Catlin.