Gabriel Michel

Gabriel Michel, age 102, of Brighton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, after a long and remarkable life marked by devotion to family, service to country, deep faith, and steadfast love.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely

in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud

of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow!

What a Ride!” - Hunter S. Thompson

He was born on September 5, 1923, in Autlan de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico, to the late Miguel Michel de Corona Garcia and Emelia Michel Garcia de Quevedo. In 1929, he fled to the United States with his family to escape the Revolutions, and grew up in El Paso, Texas, where he carried with him the values of perseverance, gratitude, and hard work that would guide him throughout his life. It was in the areas surrounding El Paso where he taught himself to hunt and gained a lifelong passion for all types of hunting. Gabriel earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1939 and often commented about how his experience in Boy Scouts shaped so much of who he was. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1941 and began his college studies at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, Louisiana.

With World War II raging, Gabriel paused his education and enlisted in the United States Navy in May of 1943. He completed Boot Camp and Electrical School in San Diego, California, where he was promoted to EM3/c upon completion. He later attended Gyro Compass School at Treasure Island, California, and boarded the USS Richmond (CL-9) at Bremerton, Washington, in June of 1943. He served aboard the ship in the Aleutian War Zone at Attu, Kiska, and Adak, and the Richmond served as flagship of Task Group 16.6. With VJ Day on August 14, 1945, the Richmond departed Adak for Ominato Naval Base in Honshu, Japan, one of the locations where the Peace Accord was signed aboard the USS Panamit. Gabriel remained with the USS Richmond until its decommissioning in Philadelphia and was honorably discharged from the Navy in May of 1946 after three years of service, including 19 months in a war zone. He later served eight years in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1953 to 1961, continuing his commitment to his country with pride and honor.

After the war, Gabriel moved to Detroit, Michigan, drawn by the Engineering Co-Op program at the University of Detroit. It was there that he met the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Barton. They were married at St. Gemma Church in Detroit on August 18, 1951, and together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and mutual devotion. Gabriel and Peggy raised 15 children in St. Scholastica Parish in northwest Detroit.

Gabriel is survived by his sister, Sr. Kathleen Michel and his children, LTC Gabriel J. Michel (US Army ret.), Mary J. Michel, Margaret Michel, Rita Michel McCotter (Thaddeus), Elizabeth A. Michel (Brian Green), Patrick V. Michel (Marnie), Monica Beil (Jeff), Theresa C. Michel, MD, Daniel R. Michel (Beth), Catherine Michel (Simon Muderak), and Julia Michel. He had 30 Grandchildren and 20 Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret “Peggy” Michel, née Barton, his daughter, Eileen Burlingame (Richard, dec.), Michael Michel (Robin), John Thomas Michel, David Michel, and Frank Michel.

Their family legacy is a testament to the life they built together. Gabriel especially cherished the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and he delighted in seeing the generations that followed him carry forward the values he and Peggy lived by.

Gabriel was a man of intelligence, courage, and deep love. Those who knew him will remember his quiet strength, his sharp mind, and his unwavering devotion to those he held dear. He was a member of Reserve Officers Association, the American Legion, Knights of Columbus Council 5436, and Safari Club International - Detroit. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brighton, Michigan.

One of his biggest passions was hunting and it took him all over the world. Gabriel was recognized for many accomplishments and trophies.

Gabriel Michel will be remembered as a proud veteran, and faithful Catholic whose life reflected service, resilience, and enduring love. His family and friends will forever treasure his example and the many memories he leaves behind.

A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home located at 3295 E. Highland Road, Highland, Michigan 48356.

Memorial Mass of Resurrection will take place at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 711 Rickett Road, Brighton, Michigan 48116. Additional visitation will be held at church from 9:30 AM until time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Guadalupe Workers, 67919 W Eight Mile Rd., South Lyon, MI 48178 https://guadalupeworkers.org/support-us