Mike Humphrey, 77, of Elk Rapids, died Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003, at Munson Medical Center. He was born Jan. 27, 1926, in Alma, the son of Leonard and Olive (Flowers) Humphrey.
At age 17, immediately after high school graduation, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the carrier USS Franklin in the Pacific theater. Mike survived a massive attack by the Japanese and was awarded the Purple Heart. He kept in close contact with his Navy friends through yearly reunions.
Following World War II, Mike attended Alma College, graduating in 1951. In 1947, he married Wanda Upham, and they spent most of their married life in Maple Rapids and St. Johns.
Mike taught physical education and social studies for 30 years, and also coached football and basketball for many years. But Mike’s first love was golf, and he coached golf for 27 years in St. Johns and Elk Rapids. He was voted Michigan Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his successful career.
Mike is survived by his wife, Wanda; three children, Sue (Larry) Flowers of Elk Rapids, Randy (Melanie) Humphrey of Estes Park, Colo., and Todd Humphrey of Elk Rapids. He was also blessed with five grandchildren, Kerry Humphrey of Fort Collins, Colo., Sarah (David) Marshall of Tulsa, Okla., Emily (Adam) Titlebaum of Fort Collins, Colo., Brett (Molly) Flowers of Madison Heights and Amanda Flowers of Elk Rapids. Mike also enjoyed his five great-grandchildren, Madeline, Jonathan and Benjamin Titlebaum, and Lauren and Anna Grace Marshall. Also surviving is his sister, Mavis Ardner of Alma.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids, with the family gathering to meet friends one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Dan Herlein will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be directed to either the Antrim County Habitat for Humanity, 133 Ames St., Suite 2, Elk Rapids, MI 49629; or the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Elk Rapids Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes.
http://www.record-eagle.com/2003/oct/17obits.htm