Community pays final respects to area Korean War veteran

Local military veteran Ralph Michael was laid to rest Thursday afternoon, with his funeral procession including a military escort through uptown Hillsboro.

Following services under the care of Turner Funeral Homes with Rev. Tom Zile presiding, the funeral procession drove under a garrison flag provided by the Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District over North High Street in Hillsboro. Representatives from several area businesses, as well as some individuals in passing cars, lined the streets to pay their respects.

Mr. Michael was a 35-year military veteran of the Ohio National Guard and US Army Reserve, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His three and a half decades in the military included serving in Korea during the Korean War in 1952 and 1953 as a forward observer of an 81mm Mortar Platoon with the 24th Division.

Lt. Col. Michael attended 15 training academies and received a total of 27 medals, awards and decorations, including a commendation for “Outstanding Attention to Duty in the Face of the Enemy while serving in Korea;” a Combat Infantry Badge; Bronze Star; and Army Commendation Medal.
 
In addition to his military career, Michael was a bridge construction supervisor with the Ohio Department of Transportation for 37 years and a part-time employee of the Highland County Engineer’s Office for 15 years.

His community involvement included being a member of the Highland Masonic Lodge #38 F&AM Chapter, Commandery & Counsel, 32˚ Mason Valley of Cincinnati, lifetime member of VFW 9094 & AMVETS Post 41, Hillsboro Elks #361, Hillsboro Eagles Aerie 1161, Highland County Senior Center, P.E.R.I., Reserve Officers Association, Retired Officers Association and AARP.

Mr. Michael is survived by his wife, Willa “Billie” Gregory; a daughter, Tami Nash; two stepsons, Chuck and Mark Middleton; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

For more information, see the obituary at: https://highlandcountypress.com/obituaries/ralph-adam-michael.

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