Michael Benson Himes

Born the youngest of three brothers to include Obie and Keith. Father Howard Benson Himes – only child, died at age 50. Mother strong woman, loving mother. Remarried to Melvin Kreshman and had two sons – Anthony and Terry. From my age 5 to 18, Terry and Anthony and I grew up together. Tony died in a motorcycle accident. All of mother’s sons were dedicated to motorcycles. I started college with the help of my grandmother – Elizabeth. Tried to work and carry a full 12 hours at Indiana University, and pursue active night life. Failed with a C minus average. Got drafted into the army, went to Germany. Flew home to marry Vicki Ellis. Got out of service , went back to work on the line at Harvester. Quit and went back to Indiana University. 1965 I chose self directed double majors in U.S. Race relations and Mid East politics. Graduated with a 4 year political science degree. Sought employment in wholesale sales. Worked for Smith Petroleum. Became manager of this small Texaco distributorship when it was sold to Thornhill Oil. After three years I started Petroleum Traders and separated from Thornhill. Got divorced after 8 years of marriage. Extremely painful. Grew Petroleum Traders to become one of the largest independent oil distributors in America. Loved landscaping, interior design, and architecture. Formed a business to create a Legacy in Costa Rica – failed in that business and that Legacy. Bought toys– 2 Bentleys, and Indian and Ural motorcycle (to include my favorite – Fatboy Harley. Owned a Lear Jet and a couple other jets to include a new Gulfstream . Built a home in Costa Rica – sold it and bought an apartment in Paris. Fathered two children- my daughter Chelsea and my son Keegan. Spent many years traveling to 100 different countries. Loved and stayed with Elizabeth off and on for 48 years before we were married. God Blessed me by having Elizabeth in my life. I pray I have done enough good for others to spend eternity with Elizabeth. Thank you God.

Visitation will be at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes- Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 1:00 pm, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Lindenwood Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made out to Matthew 25 Health and Care or the Rescue Mission.