Michael P. "Mike" Hart, Jr., age 69, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, January 9, 2018. He was born in Battle Creek on September 2, 1948, the loving son of Michael P. and Ruth H. (Richmond) Hart. Mike graduated from St. Philip Catholic High School with the Class of 1966. Throughout the years, Mike worked for Hydreco, the Eaton Corporation and then drove vehicles for many car dealerships for more than 20 years.
Mike married the "Love of His Life", Cynthia W. "Cindy" Hibbard at the St. Philip Catholic Church on March 1, 1968. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Cindy; his children, Susan "Suebe"(Steve) Washburn of Battle Creek, Kristina (Kelly) Etheridge of Battle Creek, Techia (Scott) Lohmann of Kalamazoo; a special daughter, Tamara (Jim) Bess; six grandchildren, Autumn Harvey, Brian Harvey, Tuganai Borina, James Etheridge, Shelby Etheridge and Sydney Etheridge; one great-grandson, Leeland Harvey; one great-grandson on way and coming very soon, Liam Yost; and several nieces & nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Bill Hart; and a sister, Cecelia Iseminger.
A true outdoorsman, Mike enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing shuffleboard, snowmobiling, boating, and motorcycling. He also enjoyed playing Euchre & cards, and being a chauffeur on his golf cart at the horse shows & the fair, but his true love in life was spending time with his family. Mike was a member of the BC Motorcycle Club, an officer with the Northside Snowmobile Club, and a member of the Boots & Buckles 4-H Club.
The family will receive friends 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 12th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where funeral service to celebrate Mike's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 13th. Interment will follow at Banfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence or the North Avenue Church of God E.A.P. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Mike may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.