Michael E. O'Hair

Michael E. O’Hair, 72, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Born on June 5, 1953, in Mattoon, Illinois, to parents Harold O’Hair and Jean Maxine (Roling) Grube, Mike was beloved by so many. In 1972, his class was the first to graduate from Northrop High School. After graduating, he proudly served in the United States Army from 1972-1975 and 1983-1988, ranking as Specialist by the time he ended his military career. Mike would attend classes at IPFW for a time, studying history and philosophy. For 25 years, he dedicated his career as a flooring mechanic with Jack Laurie Commercial Flooring.

Mike was an intellect, expressed through his avid reading. Studying history was one of his great passions, especially the Civil War era. His house was like a museum, full of antiques and historical trinkets on display. He loved sharpening his intelligence through strategic games of Backgammon. Mike was a diehard Steelers fan who loved to cheer on his team every time he watched their games. Friends and family will always remember Mike for his kind heart. He was someone who would help anyone and everyone, even if they didn’t return the favor. Many memories full of love and laughs will be cherished in the hearts of those who knew Mike. He was a spiritual man, even if it was in his own quiet way, and knew he was free when God held out his hand to him.

Mike is survived by his partner, Sheila Clark; children, Kris (Darren) Rice, Michelle Connolly, Jason (Jennifer) O’Hair, Jacob (Ashleigh) O’Hair; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald O’Hair; and multiple nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold O’Hair and Jean Maxine (Roling) Grube; brothers, Jim O’Hair and George O’Hair; and stepfather, Richard Grube.

Visitation for Mike will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 from 11:00AM-1:00PM at Advantage Funeral Home – Mungovan 2114 South Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46802. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00PM. Military honors will take place at that time. Memorial contributions can be made in Mike’s memories to the Iris Family Support Center https://www.irisfamily.org/donate or the Wounded Warriors Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

The End.