Thomas J. Michael

Thomas J. Michael, 85, Altoona, peacefully went home to be with his Lord surrounded by his loving family Thursday afternoon at Altoona Hospital. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Thomas L. and Ruth E. (Yingling) Michael. He married Mary Jane Pierce on September 18, 1946. Surviving are: his wife Mary of Altoona; 3 daughters: Sandy Michael of Altoona, Judy Pogue and her husband Jeff of Port Matilda, Brenda Michael of Altoona; 8 grandchildren: Amy Hughes, Malia Kong, Jocelyn McCracken, Lori Highes, J. Thomas Pogue, Jason Pogue, C.J. Boyles, Alyssa Boyles; 3 great grandchildren- Zoe, Nyah, and Carter with a 4th great-granddaughter due in June; 3 sisters: Geri Reimer, RuthAnn Mastos, and H. Naomi Thomas; 1 brother-Joseph Michael, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Thomas was an Altoona High School graduate. He owned a contracting business serving the Altoona area over many years. He was an active member at Otterbein United Methodist, now Juniata United Methodist Church, serving in the choir, and other ministries, and enjoyed living his life for his Savior. He enjoyed bowling, having played in the league at Pleasant Valley Bowling for many years, and also enjoyed camping, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, and especially enjoyed large family gatherings, vacations, and holiday times. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and teacher, and will be sadly missed. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Monday, March 12, 2012, at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home, Inc., and from 10 until the 11 AM funeral service Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Juniata United Methodist Church, with Pastor Brent Salsgiver, officiating. Interment at Blair Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the local Alzheimer's Association or Valley View Home.